
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. Copyright Xo. 

ShelflJ./f#/f7 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



No copy of this book will be sold ; It is a tree which rooted 
in the heart fruits the author's compliments to his friends. 




(L(rnWi-'it^^n^4'^nf>^'-^ir,^ 



ARIZONA. 



Supposed by the Author to be 
A COMEDY. 



Copyright, 1898, by 
Jon. B. Frost. 

All riohts reserved 



*""■"- •'-"■"■*^COri Wat.. Ll.ilJ. 



\.\, c\ \L^ 



INTO BOOK FORM BY THE FOOTE A DAVIES CO., 
UNDER SUPERVISION OF THE AUTHOR. 



2nc! r.O'r'Y, 






^SO^^ 



To my wife, whom I was with 
on beginning this play, 
And my angel, who was with me 
on its completion. 



DRAMATIS PERSON/€: 

f.ritt'rini; on nrs! ulI, l>i',\'!nnirii' o/j page j 

EuLA, daughter to the Carters. 

Mr. Carter. 

Mrs. Carter. 

Roland, son to the Carters. 

Lord Hazelton. 

Music-boy, afterwards known as Barrios. 

Entering on second acl, first scent; beginmni^-- on ^age i6. 

Roland. 

EuLA, as Barrios. 

Reneaud. 

Barrios, formerly known as Music-boy. 

Entering on second act, second sceru, begirtning on page 24. 

Landlord. 
William Clack. 
Carter. 
Hazelton. 
Coy, a claim-pusher. 
Barrios. 
Shiefellin. 
Reneaud 
Roland. 

EuLA, as Barrios. 

Jim Junkins, Sally Jones, and other mining-camp 
characters. 



Entering on third act, first f^cenr, bri^irutitigr nn pagf 4j . 

Rosalie, sister to Reneaud. 

EuLA, as Barrios. 

Roland. 

Senora, a Mexan woman. 

Mexan Youth, her son. 

Reneaud. 

Carter, Hazelton, Barrios, and Cowboys. 

Enteri7ig on third act, second scene, beginning on page 64.. 

Cowboys. 

Cowboy. 

Wagon-boss. 

Shiefellin. 

Yankee. 

Carter. 

Hazelton. 

Barrios. 

Roland and Reneaud, passing in the background. 

EuLA, as Barrios, and Rosalie, passing in background. 

Entering on third act, third scene, beginning on fage 75. 

Roland. 

EuLA, as Barrios. 

Reneaud. 

Rosalie. 

Carter. 

Barrios. 

Hazelton. 

Shiefellin. 

Pike Parson. 

Display 0/ Arizona Scenery. 

Curtain. 



PLAYERS REQUIRED 

Hula. 
Roland. 

3. Mrs. Carter and Rosalik. 

4. Carter. 
Hazelton. 
Barrios. 
Reneaud. 

Landlord and Wagon-boss. 
Wm. Clack and Yankee. 

10. Shiefellin and Mexan Youth. 

11. Coy, Jim Junkins, Cowboy and Pike Parso 
Sally Jones and Senora. 



ARIZONA, 



Supposed by the Author to be 
A COMEDY. 



FIRST ACT. 

Scene : 

Street in Ne^v YorK (^:ry, caorc iuc ^^unc, ,\..idcnce. 

^Curtain rises on Eiila, datr-jhter to the Car- 
ters, CD Upper veranda ' 

tiaa. Ah me ! how weary is this little world ! 

How sadly, madly, are we weaklings whirled 

Through this vapid run of social rush, 

Just to be considered " In the push " ! 

Is there woods, and runs, and rising suns 

Beyond the city's rattle, dust, and hums? 

Stretches noonday over flowered plains ? 

Or glares it always hot from window-panes? 

Somewhere this dusky evening's drowsy charm 's 

Unchoked of dust, unstartled by alarms ; 

And I'm sure the gentle moonbeam falls 

On else than cobble-stones and barren walls. 

Oh! I'm weary with this stifling city; 

I long for watered woodlands, song-bird s ditty, 



Airs. Carter. 
Carter. 



Mrs. Carter. 



To live and roam and breathe and rest 'neath 

nature, 
As free as air, and wild as — what creature ? 

(Enter Carter from street, Mrs. Carter oq lower 
veranda.) 

Carter. Oh, come not forth to-night to meet me ; 
Instead of joy must sorrow greet thee! 
Alack! what heavy grief contorts this way? 
Oh, this the night is of our fortune's day! 
To speedy ruin on a single tide 
Is swept good name and fortune, honor, pride! 

Take strength, stout heart; say not thou'rt thus 

o'errun. 
"What woes have fallen from this single sun ? 
Carter. Yea, from this single son, indeed ! 

A pest upon the sun that brought him forth ! — 
Stay not my up-pent wrath, nor stop its flash, 
But know the cause why fury rides my breath : — 
Good w^ife, how many weary years I've spent 
To garner up this harvest for my age ! 
How many nights your anxious heart awaited 
Tardy love aw^hilst o'er-drow^sy eyes 
Groped over midnight-blurred books ! 
Ah! bitter crusts I've broke and saved the crumbs; 
Hard days worked and stingy clutched the 

pennies ; 
And all my cautious conduct circled in 
And hedged by close economy's cramped hand. 
Mrs. Carter. Aye, good heart, but those were days of love 
And nights all sweet with rest, without a care. 

2 



The boon they brought beyond the passing 

present 
And pleasant passing sensibilities — 
Our daughter of the spring, all smiles and flowers. 
And loyal good-heart — somewhat wayward son. 
Carter. A trifling wretch ! a stripling makeshift man ! 
A lazy lout ! a callow, unkempt kid 
Who ever thought to waste and never save ; 
To broadcast scatter all and never glean. 
His only study was consuming of 
My means ; how most to disobey my will ; 
His father's honor's blot and shameful ruin— - 
Oh, hear me through ! I'll rave, for thus it was : 
On Change stocks all uncertain were, and few 
Did buy or sell, when fresh from night of brawl. 
Full-flush, and blear-eyed, he from feast of wine, 
All liquor-legged, rushed in and crazy cried. 
And bought such reckless hazard of results 
That all, supposing he some smart pointer 
Had received, rushed in the cry and craze. 
And while the scene was wild he bought and sold 
And lost and lost, and sold and bought and lost 
And lost, till all was lost and ruin came. 
Oh, wretched father paupered by a son ! 
My shame will scarce allow I pass my threshold ! 

(Ent^ • '■- 

Roland, (Singing.) I'm a swagger, swell fellow, 

Scouting fortune's foul folly — 

Carter Ah, profligate spendthrift ! addle-pated fool ! 
Pass not these portals, darken not my door ; 
3 



Never breathe to me the title " father ; " 
Go your way and starve or beg your bread ; 
A vagabond, be cuffed about the world 
And learn the stuff 'tis made of; hanger-on 
My purse no longer be, thou sapping leech, 
Thou father's shame, thou mother's w^oe, thou 

sister's 
Deep humiliation and abridgement 
Of all her joy, her marital chance! 
Ah ! if I longer look on you 
Indignation will my bosom burst ! 

(He bursts out,) 

Eula. (AboviM 

What curse ! what chance to wed a curse is this ? 

Roland. (Singing. ) Over loss I can't bellow, 
Midnight still is all jolly. 

Mrs. Cati^, Oh, son! how have you so displeased your 
father ? 

Roland. Oh, mother! how my father has displeased me! 

Mrs. Carter Roland, have you wildly sown the wind 
That now^ this whirlwind you must reap ? 

Roland. Good mother! 

Mrs. Carter. Has intoxication scattered all 

And homeless left us — as yourself? 

Roland. 'Tis true 

That tipsy I have fortune topsyturvied. 
And wine has scattered thrift upon the wind. 
4 



Mrs. Carter Oh, what grief this chance will bring my daugh- 
ter! 
What wretched destiny plunge your sister in ! 

Roland. Nay, good mother-heart, more, better cheer; 

For none would such harsh fate more better bear 
Than free and lovely gay-heart Eula would. 
Mrs. Carter Then falls this care upon your father's age ! 
Roland. Ah ! heard you not my angered father's boast 
I should ne'er o'erstep his gorgeous stoop ; 
His floor my scapegrace weight should never 

press ? 
And his they are, and all his safe-locked bonds ; 
For less I've lost than hitherto had gained; 
No more drunk than many times before ; 
This method, too, I've often pushed and won. 
To craze the crowd and ride the craze to fortune. 
But here I staid too long, o'erswam the tide, 
And could not buffet back to shore. But that 
Is naught. These fortunes floating loose must 

daily 
Change their hands. Why were it not, my 

mother. 
For the pleasant pride of show^y w^ealth, 
The needless pomp that gaudy vainness ^vears, 
You scarce would miss a dime. 

Mrs. Carter Good son, this news is leverage to lift your 
father's 
Heavy grief, and straight I'll bring full frank 
Forgiveness in his hand. 

(Exii .\ii-s. I. arter. ) 
5 



Roland. Ha, full his hand 

With franks! you'll sooner touch his shekel 

heart ! 
Oh, tender, pious spirit ! that thou wouldst 
The "woman new " enough imbibe to cuff 
Those stingy wrinkles off his crusty face : — 
'Tis strange that he should get a youth like me; 
That she, all rooster-pecked, should such a 

daughter 
Bear; for Eula, on half a chance, I'm sure, 
Would pull the breeches on ; and I too senseless 
Am to mourn a curse — else would have wept 
These many years of wasting honor ; but 
Instead, have chased regret around the sparkling 
Brim, and made despairing good a mirth. 
Now free, naught happier can I wish to do 
Than 'neath some lonesome shade laugh off dull 

time 
In doleful tune with some bereft cuckoo, 
A-sport with nature's jests, and more at mine. 
Arizona is the bracing clime 
Of decorated plains, deep woods, and ridges. 
Rock-ribbing chasms, cafions, abrupt gorges 
W^here wild waters thunder up their dirges 
To forest's feathered and aeolian chime! 

These are for my "uncle" — touching leave. 
The loss of dollars causes me no dolour. 
W^ere I to call a curse — 'tis nature's call 
With comic things to stop our serious thought. 
6 



(Enter Lord Hazelton.) 
Hazelton. Oh, Lord! Sir Roland, what's afloat? I never 
Saw your countenance so disturbed. 

Roland. My soul's afloat on time, and as I cut 
My anchor from this island, curses — 

Hazelton. Oh, Lord! 
Roland. Impassioned, hence pathetic, slobber 

From my mouth into this moral maelstrom. 

Hazelton. Oh, forbear, Sir Roland ! your expression 
Nauseates ! 

Roland. This rot called honor, stinking 

Social cleanness, I have sw^allowed nigh 
To twenty years, and now must belch it up. 
We lie, we steal, we cheat, we gamble on; 
'Tis honor ^vhile we win ! Lose once and w^e're 
Disgraced. This rule controls our merchants all. 

Hazelton. I know — don't tell me — all Americans 
W^ill overheat the — liquid in the veins 
And needle up the nerves. Is your sister — 

Roland. My sister is.— My lord, I've stomached this 
Till now, by savor of my cups, 
There are fathers who would sell their daughter's 
Hand, and lords would sell their soul ; 
But now I'm sure the lord and father both 
Are sold. Here enter ; find some comfort. 

Hazelton. Thanks. 

Sir Roland, thanks. 

(Exit Hazelton.) 
7 



Roland. Unto the dolt I open 

Wide the door which I shall never, praised 
Be fortune, pass again. Yes, I may trust 
Her self-defense though slimy lords do crawl 
Forth thick as polliwogs with leeching suits. 
Dirty honor gone, I'll gain some manhood ! 

Eula. Ho, Roily! whereto are you off so early? 

Roland. To the laundry. 

Ev! Ah, you seem already well 

Done up. 

Roland. In seams — of else the starch is out. 

Eiil Much stiffening w^ere in a walk to Arizona. 

Rola- Enough ! Good sister, you're my lone regret. 
But fare you well ; nay you must not fare ill. 
Your tastes demand the best of life, your worth — 
Better than exists in men. You still 
Will flaunt all little lords. One day a man 
Will come with quiet force and take your heart. 
His easy dignity of every move is self-reserve. 
His unaffected grace high overtops 
Convention's common laws, the which are stilts 
To common men. Broad-minded, he is free 
From jealous canker. Unassuming honor 
He ignores suspicion: — Conscious of his worth, 
Not egotistic, nor self-conscious. 
Yet knows himself, and self-appreciative, 
His thought too lofty is for envy's seat. — 
Aye you may take him ! — rather must ! Till then, 
And then, you'll stand your father's will aloof. 



Oh ! your resistless claim e'er set on good. 
Your artful grace, woman's right diplomacy, 
Will win your will. I'm off for Arizona 
To bellow, stroll, and roll about in nature 
With beastly freedom, being tired, being beastly. 

Enla. Oh, my life ! my light is out ! my heart. 

My future night-enveloped are. My grace 
Will help me little without my brother to 
Interpret it and champion all my w^ishes. 
Oh, happier were a menial washing dishes 
Than I, unto a crank's most rank caprices 
An abject slave, w^ithout a hand or heart 
My own ! Oh, such a father I disown ! 
And w^ill unto my brother cleave w^hose open 
Frankness often faced his father's harshness 
Off.— But how? 

'Enter Spanish music-boy, playing.) 

Ha, cad, come here ! Would you 
This jewel wear ? 

Music-boy. For sure ! I'll play for it. 

Ejila, Nay stay! for it — you'll drop your instrument — 
Leap the garden-wall — throw me your clothes ! 

Music-boy, I would not freeze — but fear that the police — 

Eiila. Fear not ; to you my brother's suit I '11 throw ; 
About the town in better clothes you'll go. 
And on your finger wear this blue-white prize. 

Music-boy, Not for the jewel, but those lovely eyes. 

(Leaps on the wall.) 
9 



Not fooling me ? You wish for this disguise ? 
Eula, My time is short ! make haste, or spoil my sport. 

(Exit Eula. Music-boy leaps over the wall and 
throws his suit to upper veranda.) 

Music-boy. Good-bye, old coat, you full the circle where 

The arms you've naked left would never dare ! 
Blessed vest, guard well that lovely breast ! 
Oh, lucky pants ! Oh that a Spanish dog 
Should wear you into such a chance ! — but hold ! 
Carry up these kisses, to the seat 
Of 'static blisses! 



Euln. Imp ! my mother on 

The stair, I could not reach my brother's robe. 

Mtisic-boy. The stare? — Ah, she was watching you? 

Eula. (Throwing skirt and waist.) But these 

Will cover you, — so quick jump into w^oman's 
Sphere, and put a girlish simper on. 

Music-boy. (Aside I'd rather she would clothe me with her 
smiles. — 
Oh, good lady ! 

Eula. Hush, and don the dress — 

You'll rouse the dog ! — Ha, this is artful grace, — 
What Roily said is woman's right diplomacy! 

Mrs. Carter. (Within.) Eula! 

Eula. Lordy, if she should come up ! 

Mrs. Carter. Eula, daughter ! 

Eula. Yes, mama! I'm coming! 



Mrs. Carter. Lord Hazelton is here and asks for you. 

Eula. (At- 1 Asks for me! Sweet Heaven, an escape ! — 
Mama! 

Mrs. Carter. Well, daughter! 

Eula. Serve the lord some ice. 

■ ' 'Twill cool his suit, while I get in my suit. — 
Mama! 

Mrs. Carter. Well, daughter ! 

Eula. Serve it in the library. 

(Aside.; 'Twill detain him in till I get out. 
Oh, Lord! I'm turned around! No wonder 
though ! 

(Having drawn pants on wrong side to.) 

Man's sphere 's so large, — 'tis not an easy task 

To fill his place. But lasses crowd him out ; 

Then he runs to politics and pouts 

That w^e've usurped his occupation. Oh, me ! 

I can naught but jest, and my mind 

Should be its best. I'll do my best to be 

A man ! Dear, I must have hysterics ! Surely 

I am full dressed ! Then do not need hysterics. 

I shouldn't know how^ to put them on. Oh ! what 

Is in a suit? "Aye, that's the question " ! 

Music-boy. Oh, lady, you didn't throw the simper down ! 

Eula. Bah ! what a fool ! 

Music-boy. Oh, pretty lady ! it will 

Not fit my face. 



Eula. Oh, here 's a witty lad ! 

Hold your shoulder close and help me down. 
Hazelton can take what here is left 
Of me : — an old shoe-lace and corset-stay 
Are enough — oh, oh ! 

(Falling, but saved from injury by Music-boy.) 

I'm faint: Oh, help 
Me out of this unknown : Here, take the ring ! 

(Enter Carter, Mrs, Carter, and Lord Hazelton 
on veranda 

Music-boy. No, lady ! I can't take pay from you ! 
Eula, Cease ! what is your name ? 

Music-boy. Del Barrios,— 

Eula, Hush, hush! 

Carter. They don't attract me, lord ; though some 

Are yellow, flowers never blossom gold. 

Hazelton. But these old-fashioned marigolds — 

Eula. Nay, mister; 

'Tis the latest fad. 

Hazelton. What 'tis? 

Eula. To marry 

Gold. 

Hazelton, (Aside Ha, gad! 'Tis what I have intended. 
Carter. You follow well the youthful fashion of 

Impertinence. As brass has brought you up, 
Valor's better part will move you on. 



Hazelton. This youth wears a gentle look ; his grace 
And curtness make me curious. 

Carter. Ho, gammon ! 

My friend, the lord, would know your name. 

Eula. Ridel 

De Barrios. 

Carter. And w^hence you are? 

E2ila. The son 

Am I, to a banished Cuban lord. 

Music-boy. ^Asiic i How knows this lady all my history? 

Hazdton. Well, sir, what make you here ? 

Rnla. To answer by 

The rhyme, "I mar what God has made, ' ' but truly 
Sir, I make bad music, pleasing lords 
By pleasing ladies, playing serenades. 

Hazelton. Happily come — what say my friends? — a song 
Will faster pulse our lady's heart, and we '11 
Enjoy her quicker presence here. Such music 
Play as wakens thoughts romantic in 
Fair ladies' minds. — Magician, play. 
Eula, Musicians 

Play. 
Music-boy. (Apart to Eul; And you have not the fingering? 

Eula. Nay I want not the finger-ring. 

(Aloud.) My dainty sister here will dance a turn. 

Music-boy. (Aside.) I am her brother ! 

(Music and dance. ) 
13 



Hazelton. Horrid ordinary! horrid! — 

A song to ravish beauty's ear. 

Eula. (Sings. Sweet Lady Amaryllus, — 
Hazelton. Why Amaryllus ? 

Eula. Blooms your lady's face no beauty, lord? 
Hazelton. Aye ! more than gardens do ! 

Eula. (SiDps Swreet lady, sweet Allyssum, — 
Hazelton. What is Allyssum? 

Eula. W^hat is your lady's worth? 

Hazelton. More than mines can hold ! 

Eula. More than minds 

Unfold! her father's fortune's loss \vould 
Lessen much her worth. 

Carter. Excuse me, Hazelton ; I am beyond 

The age and state of sentiment : To steady 
Years it is distasteful. Ah, dog Roland, 

You will not forgiveness gain by posting 
Scamps across my path ! 
(Exit Carter.) 
Hazelton. Young Spaniard, tune your tongue to better taste. 

Eula This lady's rue and hyssop opens only 
To the courting coriander. 

Hazelton. Who ? 

Eula. Her love responds to merit. Jealous lord, 

You now^ are dock. Your prickly disposition 
Smoothing off, you'll be geranium. 



Say your riddle. 
Eida. Ugly patience, lord, 

Will blossom disappointed expectation. 

Your playing in bad measure ; sniveler, cease. 

You would stay my lady off. 

(Exit Lord HazellOQ, bowiag Mrs. Carter out, and 
throwing money to the ground.) 

Eula. My feet 

Must bring and take her, where and whither will 

she. — 
Oh, mama! How^ can I leave you thus? — 

(_ '^lUbic-buN uas gaiueieu up nionev and hands i; 
to Eula, who hurls it against him.) 

Stupid sissy, dance and wake my spirits ! 
Ha, ha! ha, ha ! I 'm off for Arizona 
To bellow, stroll, and roll about in nature 
With beastly freedom, being tired, being beastly. 

'SiC'boy. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! my w^ild and lovely lady, 
For a suit I '11 trade this blue-white prize. 
And means to keep aken of delf-blue eyes. 

(Exit Music-boy. Enter Carter, Mrs. Carter 

nnd T.nrrl F!".'i7pltnn on veranda. ) 

LarUr My daughter lured away ! Oh, profligate son ! 
My curse on you must be the birth 
Of curses on my age. 

(CURTAIN.) 



SECOND ACT. 

First Scene. 

Arizofia, Mountain forest. Moo'tilight. 

(Curtain rises on Eula as Barrios, and Roland.) 

Roland. Softly thrum such music through the air 

As when the moonbeams strung among the leaves 
Are gently breathed upon by mellow spring. 

Eula. (Striking instrument violently and rushing across the stage.). 
Oh, oh! 
^''' 'Tis true the tempest tumbling up 

The woods is nature's music. 

^i'^<^- See ! A snake ! 

Roland. Young fellow, come, a snack of this. 

^•'^/- It moves ! 

K.)J,7i:i?^ f TakinL' UD stick. ") 

Ah! this must come to all who tarry long 
In Texas. 
^ • I am weary — with the moon, 

And faint with hunger. 
Roland. Well, the man should hide 

The moon. — Ridel, my boy, rest easy; there: — 
Hunger 's tough : and often toughly served. 
There, my boy ; barefoot I'll tread more lightly. 



Eula. But, sir, I have boots on. 

f^oiand. Eat mine — first. 

Eula. Tarantulas! 

(Springs away, pushing one boot toward Roland, 
holding other, a tarantula having fallen to the 
ground.) 

^ol*^*td. Ho there ! my other boot. 

Eula. I can't have half a meal ? 

^<^^^^' A good full feast, 

I will exchange you both my socks. You're right— 
They're covers for the feet,not stomach-stayers.— 
It don't want us • it 's after larger game. 

Exit urantula.) 

Eu/a Perhaps 't has dined this week. Oh, Rol— oh, sir, 
Good sir, are you not scared ? 

^''"''''"^ Oh yes, I'm scared, — 

Else would have checked that fat tarantula 
And tried the question which should eat and which 
Be eaten. — That 's the struggle of the world. 
Euu, Once I read a tale of this wild land : — 
Beasts in every mountain crevice crouch, 
Lone wanderers' flesh they munch, their bones 

they crunch. 
And prowl the woods o'nights. No luckless lamb 
From the fold once strayed has e'er returned : 
Bears are brown to closer come unseen ; 
The coyote's galloping cry will split the ears ; 

The cougar and fierce cat creep stealthy up. 

Hark ! what sounds so make the world a terror! — 
17 



And on the earth, 'twas said, crawl infant snakes 
That play with rattles, ven'mous centipedes 
Whose jointed hundred legs trail death along, 
The lizard too ! Oh, sir! is this the river 
Whose banks both breed the Gila monster, scaly, 
W^ith mouth agape, that puffs a greenish slime, 
And is in color blackish-red, as if 
That night and hell cohabited for its 
Creation? 

Roland. By damnation, boy ! — your nerves 

I'll tonic (Taking flask and cup froru pocket. ) 

This is bad as Change where I 
Have stood whole days amongst the bears and bulls. 

' ■ r ;■■, y-.-: :'\v:,\ t a;f'!v f^.'-i: and cup.) 

A river's waters and not a drop of any- 

Thing to drink. — Ugh ! it 's damp ! and chilly ! 

Ridel de Barrios, you shame your race! 
You stand e'en here on Nunez' trail \vho 'scaped 
From Flora's florid skins; — this wilderness 
Then was wild ; — and barefoot crossed the eastern 
Alligator sw^amps, then sw^am the Mississippi, 
Naked traced the Colorado up 
And the Gila reached in skins. 

Eula. Well healed he must 

Have been. 
Roland. Not healed at all ; he found no gold. 

Eula Your jest is old. 

Roland You're better now. 

(Scraping away leaves and placing stone. ) 



Eula. What's this? 

Roland. Your bed. — Oh ! here 's your blanket. 

(Tossing her his coat.) 

Eula. You will freeze 

Roland, Oh no, my brain's a-fire. 

(Lying down.) The pillow a stone 

The dreams bring angels near. — Barry, lad, 
I've read of this wild land, that sleeping out 
O'nights, and waked by slimy touch of scaly 
Creeper — never move a muscle : hold 
Your breath. 'Twill think you are a log and crawl 
Away — but move, 'twill fang your flesh ; that 's death 
To-night ; we're out of antidote. 
Refieaud. (in the distauce iinging.j Hello, ha ho — 

E^da. Ah, hark ! what noise ? 
Roland. Come hide here, I some good 

Divine in this. 
Reneaud. (Singing. - I 'm a strolling free fellow 

Wandering over the hollow 
Calling through hollow, hello ! 
Waking roe from their wallow. 
Roland. (Singing. Eula slightly thrumming.) 

From the pull of the trollo, 
From the tough and the tallow 
Gay free fancy I follow 
Seeking fat of the fallow. 

( Enter Keneaud in hunter's costume.) 
Reneaud. A mouthy echo, I will call 't again. — 
(Sings.) Fleetly flies and I follow 
19 



Through red nature and yello\v 
Swift as wing of the sw^allow 
Roe-eyed beautiful Delia. 

Roland. Throw up— your supper. 

(Cov«ring Reneaud with gun, himself vmder 
cover of tree.) 

Reneaud. All that 's possible 

I'm bound to do, not yet have thrown it down. 

Rolatid. This youthful Cuban here is stomach-fagged. 

Reneaud. Is he cannibal ? Then bring me down ; 

If not, you'd better bag some better game. 

Roland. Ah well ! we're friends ; then be at ease ; but tell 
Us where we are and how w^e may get hence. 

Reneaud You're in the woods; the one way out 's to walk. 

Roland. We still can leave some tracks, if right directed. 

Eula. Sir, you are the gentlest man we've seen 

In this rough region, which almost makes you seem 
The gentlest gentleman — we've ever seen. 
I'm sure you'll bring us from this per'lous wood 
To where we '11 find some wholesome drink and food. 

Remand Your paleness pleads your hunger, youth, no less 
Than does your sweet-toned voice ; your fine-cut 

features 
Should be borne by woman's form; no doubt 
Your appetite is man's; a lucky hit, — 
A dram of bracing cordial I have left, 
'Twill loose your belly from your back, inviting 



Better fillment. — Sir, a gunshot up this caiion 
Stands a mining-camp with hospitality- 
Broader than 'tis elegant. Not finding 
What our palates crave, we '11 roast such game 
As suits our taste. 

Roland. Then lead the way to food 

And drink. You 're mirthful company. 

Reneaud, You 've had 

The drop and spared me once, I take no risk 
In going forward. 

Roland. To a feast, — not any. 

I Eseuot Reneaad and Roland. ) 

Eula. Oh, I must carry my concealment well 
To still remain with him — and him. 

(Enter Ridel de Barrios.) 
Barrios. Seflorita follows him for love; 

For love pursue I senorita. Death 
To him, — my way to her. I'll follow to 
The camp, intrude on him, when he will me 
Insult, we quarrel, draw ! I strike him down. 

Eula. Madcap, what frenzy works such fury up ? 

Barrios. (Dropping stiletto.; Sefiorita ! — Double lunacy. 

Not come from single moon : two great bright orbs 

Blazed on my heart at eventide ; I gazed 

On them, since which I 've naught but sought 

their light ; — 
Through day I 've trailed you and watched 

through night, — 



To feel this fire beneath a single gleam 
Of those eye-stars. 

Eula. One stare 's enough ? then take 't ! 

(Taking ap stiletto.) 

Barrios. Beaut'ful lady, scorn of my suit — 

Eula, I 'm in 't! 

Barrios. "Will make me desperate. My love is des- 
peration ! Night intolerable is : — 
Eula. You can 't endure the stars ? 

Barrios. Your beauty 

Is my day, your eyes my light. You took my clothes, 
Suppose you take my name — it honorable is. — 
The personage you saw me in, disrobed me of, 
A fancy, I a refuge Cuban took 
To scout off melancholy. Rebuff is death ! 

Eula. I paid you for your coat a fair exchange, — 

Barrios. No lady, you my doublet when receiving 

Lassoed my heart along. Am not deceiving. 
It burns w^ith love ; your kindness is relieving ; 
I worthy am ; scorn silenced eases grieving ; — 
Can bring you home, — and family. Believing 
Enthrones resolve, and hope emblazoned plunges 
On to action ; — 

Eula. How to freeze this Southern 

Temper ! 

Barrios. Come to camp where I shall kill 

This vagabond engrossing you, then fly 
We across the Rio Grande. 



tuii. Bold sir, o'er-hot idiot, pursue 

A further step, divulge my sex, or touch 
His life, a hair or scratch his skin, my heart 
Will kiss this steel, my bosom thus ensheathes ; 
Before you, dead I '11 drop, and wry your days 
With dying woman's curse. 

Roland. (Calling from a distaace .; Ho Barrios; 

Ridel ; come boy, we'll lose you in our wake. 
Barnoi. I'm called! 

Eula. Nay hold. Ridel de Barrios 's 

The name I answer : you should know his coat. — 
With this you '11 prosper under other name. 
Another face I 'm like to better like. 
(^ Tossing hiin diamond.) 

Roland. (Calling Ho Barrios. 
Eula. That voice is of my brother. 

(Exit Eula.) 

Barri< < Also sefior is her brother ! — This 

The lady must retake, — and this first love 
Taking up instrument. ) 

Cleave to the second ; find I thus the way 
To find what more relations she has ! 



23 



SFXOND ACT. 

Second Scene. 

Mining-camp restaurant, showing mountairi and mining scenery. 

(Curtain rises on Landlord back of lunch-counter, 
and William Clack asleep on bench. 

Enter Cartet an'l Hri7elton.) 

Carter. Midnight and Delmonico's ! 

Hazelton. Your son 

Roland's time and place. 

Carter. (Suiing anu taking up paper : Ah, wc can read 
While dinner cooks. 

Hazeltan. Eh, gad ! Americans are 

Such promiscuous strollers too that she, 
My beauteous she, oh horrors ! him would follow 
Here. 

Carter. (Reading.) "The Lonesome Gulch Consoler." 

Hazelton. Gad, hard compulsion hunger is to dine 
In this vile place. 

Carter. Ah, "Pleasantries." We may 

As well be cheerful. 

HazAtmi And such a dinner take 

As will be served. 

Carter. Here, lord 's a humorous column. 

Hazelton. Even humor must be ghastly here ! 



Carter, i Reading.) 

"Last Tuesday, foreman J. C. Arnold was 
operating a scraper on the grade four miles west 
of Franconio, when an attack of heart-failure 
overtook him and with a few gasps he was dead. 
Mr. Arnold leaves a vs^ife and three children." 

"R. E. Norton, being bit on the calf by a rat- 
tler, emptied a pint of antidote into himself, then 
grasping the bushes to sustain his equilibrium, 
was bitten on the thumb by a tarantula. This 
being very painful, he realized the necessity of 
reaching one of the river towns to consult a phy- 
sician. To do so he must cross the Gila, whose 
swollen and treacherous current had washed a 
deep cut in the ford, in which Norton 's team 
suddenly disappeared from view^. The buggy 
followed, turning completely over Norton in its 
descent. Some way very fortunately the horses 
succeeded in freeing themselves, though Mr. 
Norton was drowned. Ergo — Shakespeare: 

'One woe doth tread upon another's heels.' " 

Hazelton. Gad ! in the Gila ! 

Carter. 'Reading : 

"The ranch round-up outfit, while working 
in the Chiricahua mountains, on the loth inst., 
discovered between Cave Creek and Dunn Springs, 
an emaciated man. He had started for a 
ranch up in the foot-hills, and must have entered 
the wrong cafion. When nearly exhausted he 
found water. As the water dried up he gradually 
25 



worked up the mountains. He had subsisted 
on acorns, but the October rains and heavy 
frosts of the present month had been severe on 
him, and when found he was a skin-covered 
skeleton. With a gasp of joy at being rescued 
his troubles ended." 

"Jack Farley, lodging in one of the elegant 
rooms at Dowdies' Hotel, w^as visited during the 
night by a centipede which had crawled up 
through one of the crevices in the floor. In some 
way, which the centipede would delight, doubt- 
less, to relate, it reached the top of the bed and 
addled its hundred legs across Mr. Farley's foot. 
It has now been forty-eight hours since this 
event and Jack still sleeps soundly." 

Hazelton, Oh horrors ! This is Dowdies' ! Dinner, no lodging. 

Carter. Landlord, shall we eat ? When shall w^e eat ? 
Landlord. When you've said what you'll eat, — an' that 
you '11 eat. 
Carter. Well, well ! why are we here ! why are we here ! 
Landlord. That 's your question, well asked ; now answer it. 

Carter. Dinner ! dinner ! What should we wish but dinner ? 
Landlord, The reg'lar 's off, sir ; what d' you want for dinner? 
Carter To eat ! to eat ! but one thing in your house 
And ask me what I want ! I want a gun ! 
A dozen guns ! some guns and black strong coffee ! 
Clack. (Awaking, aside.) 

Ho ! what row 's afoot? Ha purty fuss 
To rouse an honest slumberer from spongin' 
26 



Of a little rest. — I '11 squelch this row 
Ur when daylight comes my name won't be 
Sir William Clack. 
Hazelttm. Landlord, you need not serve 

Me corn bread made with water, greasy beans 
With fat of pork, fat pork with greasy greens 
Nor chickory, though you may call it coffee. 
Clack. (Firing gun over their heads.) 

Sit down! I'll give you prompter waitin' on. 
Landlord, some pone and beans and grass: This colt 's 
Been livin' 'bove 'is oats. Now knuckle to. 
Don't tack no more scandal on this tepee. 
Eat eat : (Firing couple of shots.) 

No feather soups don't grow up huare. 
Put away this chuck awhile, an' that sickly 
Purty pink o' your face '11 chase itself. 
An' I grub-stake you w^eek you won't be lankin 
'Round so like a mornin'-glory at noon-time. — 
Hay, pard, shy up that thar sly bottle huare. 
None your pale Blue Mountain corn juice in this : 
Loco ! that mads the herds down on the mesas! (Drinks.) 
The Century Mescal, — God prolong its age, — <Drinks.) 
Red fury of the Greaser's bull that runs 
On cowards to his death ; r • : " ' Tizwintoo! (Drinks.) 
The frenzy of the copper buck for scalps. (Drinks.) 

(Crosses with Indian dance and yell, to table.) 
Now,pard,I 've had my stim'lents, fling on some grub.— 
Glasses, glasses ! Seldom chucken with 
The gentry I most furgot to be purlite. 
Carter. Landlord, I '11 thank you for another plate 
Of beans and spinach. 

27 



Cldck. Ha, old hoss, a man 

After my own stomach : Have some pizen. — 
Say, mav'rick, drop none that rye in this. — 
Huare 's yer life, the pizenest essence o' the earth : — 
Rattles, and the tongues o' rattlers, ha ha ! — 
That 's why it rattles mav'ricks, — 'stilled with green 
An' yellow-jointed centipedes, — that gives 
It color; — tarant'las freely mixed, to make 
Us feel the dance you know, and wasp tails just 
To tone the flavor down : Ha ha ! drink ! drink ! — 
Drink, —the best bug-juice was ever bottled, (i-'rink.j 
How 's that, old bronco ? 

Carter. Good : recalls pioneer 

Days in old York State. 

Clack. Another, — 'noth'r ! (Drink.) 

Carter. Ha ! It makes my spirits young again ! 

Clack. (Singing.) 

Ha, ha ! drop in the bugs, drop in the snakes, 
Drink old tarant'la till we get the shakes. 
(Standing, pours drinks, 

Carter. Ha, ha ! what a quick change on the spirit it brings, 

Pour in the stings till we all get the sings. 

(Clack and Carter drink and dance across to 
counter, while Hazelton overturns glass on 
table, nervously grabs glass, turning to still face 
them, much frightened.) 

Hazelton, Gad ! the Sing-sings ! 

Clack. (To Carter.) You 're a lump o' free gold 

Now one fur partin' ! — Hang up huare awhile, 
28 



Old buck, we '11 have the howl' nest time that ever 

Hell turned loose to cel'brate weddin's with. Drinks.) 

Jim Junkins is agraftin' of hisself 

Unto Sally Jones to-night. — Their health!— (Drinks.) 

And when the putyin of it 's done by old 

Pike Parson, — ha, his health ! — they 're goin' to Sal's 

Fur good eatin' ; then the gang, — their health ! — 

Huare 's a-comin' fur good drinkin' and 

A heel twist. Huare 's to partin' ! huare 's t' the night! — 

Huare 's t' the day that toilers night ! T' the landlord ! 

To your health, old burro ! huare 's to partin'! — 

One o'clock an' they're not cumin' yit! 

Afore a half they '11 be right huare or old 

Bill Clack has lost his callin' awakin' things up. 

^.Exit Clack, -.viih Indian dance and yell, shooting. 
Hazelton nervously turning against table turns 
it over, falling.) 

Carter. (Throwing chair.) 

Get up ! you cottage-pudding ! I'll rule this roost 

While my companion in arms is out. — Imbibe 

Balloon juice ! hoist up your courage mountain high ! 

Drink ! my lord, the sight of you makes m.e 

Respect son Roland. What a courage-maker 

'Tis ! Three gills of this that day on Change, 

I would have bulled the earth, and saved my boy !— 

And what a lib'ralizer is the stuff ! 

Were I now at home, and full as now, 

I 'd give my wife a pair kang'roo shoestrings — 

That she might hang herself — for driving off 

My son. — Cheese-face, don't stare at me with gaugle 

Eyes. T' what wisdom too it wakes the fagged 

2g 



Brain. It shows to me, my lollylop, 

That you had just as well hoist sail and scud 

For old Fog Island. We Americans 

Are such promiscuous livers, because we all 

Are men ; we have small tolerance for pinched 

Abortioned pimples. Shame that ever I looked 

W^ith favor once on that could not be once 

A man 'mongst men, and once be brave, — 

Coy. (Entering.) Hello! 

My old friend Carter of York ! well how 'd you leave 
All the folks down there ? Well, well ! the last 
Mortal I ever 'spected t' see way out here ! 
Aren't lost eh? When 'd you come in? last stage? 
Just arrived; had supper? — well shake again! 

Carter. Have a drink. — Another. — 

Coy. One more ; — thanks. 

Now come sit dow^n, old friend, talk over times. — 
Awful lucky we met so soon. Must w^arn 
You right now lest we fail to have another 
Talk, against — these sharks. They '11 be pushing 
All sorts of fake claims; w^hen you wish to place — 
A small sum, — come to me ; I '11 steer you straight. 
You know you people from salt-level, not used 
To this light air, are apt to be light-headed — 
Handed. — I am here to hold you down 
Close on the earth. — Know Dixon? Well slightly. — 
A rascal knave was Dun to persecute 
Him. — Oh, he never stole the money. — I say 
In my rough travels 'round this country 
30 



Now for forty years I 've found that men — 

Are honest. — 
Carter Have a drink. — Have you a gun ? 

I wish to get that shot. r .;i 

^ Oh it 's a harmless 

Bug. I never wear a gun. — What, Dana of 
The Sun ! know him ? Well I should say,why I 'm 
The man who wrote his editorials : — 
Oh, oh, not recently, not recent — in 
His early days when they were vigorous 
And full of good hard sense. — Say, by the way, 
I picked some specimens up to-day that you'd 
Be pleased to see. Don't talk 't about, but I 
Have struck a bargain no one else is onto. 
It only needs a little cash to work 
The deal. — Ah there's as fine a lump of syl- 
Vanite as ever powder blasted ; and here 's 
Free gold ; this yellow beauty too, and this 
Right from the contact : — All these from one shaft, — 
And the parties owning it are broke. 
We will run out to-morrow an' look it over ; 
We 'd best before we go though, some way cinch it. 
The minute it gets out it will be nabbed. — 
Ah, nature once was prodigal and packed 
Her treasures here with lavish hand ! No single 
Claim such various specimens ever showed 
Before, so beautiful in form, such dazzling 
Col'r, so brilliant lust'r, so rich in worth; — 

( Enter Barrios to table, smiling with sinster ex- 
nrp«=i'^n at snecimens and Carter.) 

Silver in its native state, in com- 



Bination too ; chloride, bromide, ruby 
Silver, silver-glance and brittle silver, 
Carbonates, sulphides, polybasite and an- 
Timonial silver ; gold, alluvial gold, 
Free gold, gold quartz and sulphurets — 

Carter. Sulfires ! — now huare 's 

To partin', as says my friend Bill Clack. 

(Pouring glass to Coy, throwing glassful into 
Barrios' fare, and throwing over table ) 

I '11 face 
A gun, but run from that perpetual motion 
Mouth. (Throws bottle at Hazelton. / 

Get out 'n the rain, 'ts too wet in here 

For kids. (b:<u Coy. Hazelton and Carter going, ihe 
Landlord fires gun at bell over door which springs 
a sign into view across the doorway as follows : 
"Gests plese setle bils fore leevin. " Both 
returning, Carter takes roll out of Hazleton's 

I '11 pay, my lord. How much, sir? 
Landlord. Forty. 

Carter. Delmonico's at two ! 
Hazelton. Sir Roland's place 

And time. (Hazelton turns towards right, and Barrios and 
he see and stare at one another. Enter from 
the left Reneaud. who, as Carter begins to 
speak, is stopped by Roland concealed by him; 
enter also Eula concealed by Roland.) 

Carter. Landlord, I 'm looking for my son : — 
An addle-pated sort of fellow; long 
Yet oval face, — a callow softness on 
It all ; and deep non-mobile eyes, but keen 
32 



Observant, yet non-observant manner; motley 
Expression, idiotic half, the other 
Half, his father — wise; hair heavy, brown 
But for a golden tinge, and rather saunters 
On than walks, as like his legs were also 
Addled. — Should he straggle in just turn 
Him over to my friend Sir William Clack. 

ton.) 
Banios. Seiior Carter and the poodle ! 

Eula. (Advancing u ^-.:.., ,_..., Oh, I 

Must hear word of my mother ! 

Barrios. (To Carter.) Sir! — Seiior! 

I know your — son ; CAn bring you where he is. 
Await me — on the square; — meantime w^hat v/ord 
To sefiorita of her mother? 

Carter. The square ? 

Hazclton. Spaniard, bring me to my lady ! Gad, 

I '11 give you gold ! and tell 'er 'er mother 's glad 

She 's gone : I think to get her off from my 

All-burning suit, but more the two 

Together all safe will guard each other, 

While she, one missing lamb alone, must | 

Have bitter wept. Nov/ bring me to her, haste! j 

Carter. Bah ! get on, you pulp ! j 

Barrios, who has drawn stiletto.) i 

In this ripe orchard i 

He 's too green to peel. 

(Exeunt Carter and Hazelton.) 
33 



Eula. (Apart.) 

Oh, heavens ! thanks I cut this lord's acquaintance! 
If cramping hunger ever brings repentance 
May I die exposed upon the desert, 
For my heart would famish in his palace; — 
Now free, my spirits I may feed, — and fatten 
For the future. 
Rauatld. (Advancing, also Roland.) 

My jolly old host, now how is everything? 

Landlord, ^^^\\ ^^\\ \ Charles, gaming must been good you come 
So late ! — Ho w^ife, Reneaud 's at hand : — but supper 's 
Hot: — as fine piece ven'son, sir, as ever 
Old King Charles ate of, ha 'tis! and 'nough 
For six ! we thought the whole day out would give 
You 'n appetite. 

^^f'^^"d Quite fortunate, we 're three 

To eat it. 

Landlord. (Still arranging table.; 

What game 'd you bag ? 
R'f'^^'^d. Two graceful bucks. 

This is my friend, — Sir William Gladstone, Junior. 

Roland. (To Eula advancing, Barrios intrusive. > i. i-iug, as he and 

Reneaud are being seated.) 

And who 's your friend, my boy ? 
Eula. (Embarrassed.) q^ _ ^j^-g _ j^ a _ 

Mexan cousin — one — Gueverro. 

Reneaud. (To Gueverro.) Toin US 

Here. 

Barrios. (At first advancing, then retires under Eula's rebuking eye.) 

Ah thanks, seiior ; — I 've dined. ^ *''^'''° * Now my 

34 



Relation is distant growing ! — dined ! 

(Rubs lank stomach and retires to lunch-counter.) 

Roland. (To Reneaud. ) 

Commending your great country as we came 
Along, my friend, you did not say how early 
Vegetables can be raised ? 
La?tdlor-f. By six o' the morning, 

Ready for breakfast. 
Roland. Well, 't 's a dam' slow country — 

Or 't would get 'em up in time for supper ! 
(Steaming vegetables are brought, ) 

Landlord. "Well Gladdy, what would you, an' you were primer 
O' this country? 
Roland. I 'd shut up myself 

Till you, the people, had learned the alphabet. 
''^andlord. Hear, hear ! an' what if you were president ? 
'Eater weddingers, followed by hoodlums.) 
Roland, if i were president! — Resign to 'scape 
The pestilence, and come to Arizona. 
(Shouts and laughter.) 

But first I 'd hook up black Hawaii onto 
Old Mount Shasta, wipe that Spain-spot off 
Fair Cuba's face, and key her up to Uncle 
Sam, — 

Barrios. (Slamming counter, stamping and yelling.) 

Hurrah for Blaine ! 
Croivd. (YeUing.) Hurrah! hurrah! — 

Roland. To smash the proper hole clean through that tariff 
W^all to let provisions in. 

35 



Landlord) ^^. , , ^ Rear! hear! 

> (Simultaaeously.) 
and Crowd.) Hurrah, Hurrah! 

Roland. Then I 'd take a trot down east and puff 

Th' east wind called Wall Street up East River, then 
I 'd give to all a job of building merchant 
Ships and war-guns for the seas, and forts 
For all our coasts and border shores ; of making 
Roads, for easy tramps, — but then there 'd be 
No tramps, for all would have a job ; — and some 
Good stuff I 'd stamp to pay 'em with, — and show 
How^ government, just like a man, should make. 
Instead of borrow money. — 

Crowd. Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah ! 

Landlord. Hear, hear ! My Charles, not Gladstone, only Coxey ! 
(Eater ShiefelUn.) 
Croivd. Hurrah for Shiefellin ! Here 's luck, a find! (Drink.) 
Roland. Now what is Shiefellin, in nature's kind ? 
Landlord. Once tenderfoot, as you, now tough old rind. 
Reneand. A shepherd lost, stroll'n' from his flock of hind. 

Shiefellin. Ah gints, my lasses, never w^as so rhymed 

Old Shief'lin, since his birth old Kronos timed. 
I 'm a prospector, gold dust in my mind, 
Though patches cover up my all, behind. 

. kuht. Prospector! Once I read of this odd kind. 

"The Prospector!" Yes, now it comes to mind; — 
The straw he calls a hat is rotten on his head ; 
The loose limp cloth, his coat, is oily on the collar; 
His pantaloons are greasy down the knees ; 
36 



His boots are red and dry beneath the weather 

His eye rolls on the earth, 

His soul a creeper is, 

And moss grows on his back ! 

(To Reneaud.i 

Good friend, you will persuade my friend I hope. 
On your so kindly given invitation, 
To taste awhile the sweet and restful rec- 
Reation of your calm and cozy ranch, — 
As you 've described it to us. — (Aside,) And his sister! 
Oh, to clasp again a kindred woman- 
Heart, and rest in safe and tender home ! — 
fTo Reneaud.) 

These walls oppressive are, I '11 gain the outer 
Air; I'll wait your coming, — (Aside ; underneath 
The stars, and w^ith the balmy wind w^eep dew 
Upon the sweetly blooming earth, — though 'ts blooms 
Be not for me to pluck. 
(Exit bula.; 

Roland, n n Shiefellin ) 

A find? Good-natured fellow ? Ah ! good fortune 
Comes to him, ill-fortune can not injure. 

Shiefellin. Damn ; I '11 throw it after lilly-lip 

That lopped me on the ear ! 

(Throws specimen out, rushing after, grabs plate 
of beans, exit eating.) 

Landlord. Ho there, ho ! 

Roland. ( Observing instrument closely, taking it up, then to Barrios.) 
See here, my fellow of the bull brigade, 
How came you by my Barrios' mandolin? 
37 



Barrios. Sir, it is my own. 

Roland. Your own ? Look here : 

Now^ face this name, Ridel de Barrios, 
And call it yours. 

Barrios. The name ? and instrument, 

For sure my ow^n. 

Roland. Why knave, you were but now 

Proclaimed that Greaser name Gueverro ! 

Barrios. True, 

*Tis true. (Aside.) I most forgot my name is not 

My o-wn. (Aloud.) My cousin borrow^ed it to me 
Awhile. 

Roland Your cousin 's kind ! and you '11 return 't 

By me, eh ? 

Barrios. (Aside.) Oh that she would take my name 

And make it rightful her's, surrendering 
Her own ! 

Roland. (ToReneaud.) 

Here friend; we '11 need this on the ranch 
To soften morning into sleepy hours with. 
Throws him instrument, then to Barrios.) 
Your hand ; — come. 
Bamos. I would not refuse — 

Roland. Then don't. 

Barrio.^ For your protection to my cousin, shake! 

Roland Hold ! I '11 know if 'tis my sister's ring 
E'en if to do so I unsocket all 
Your arm ! — To knave I now add thief and liar! 

38 



Barrios. Sir, sir ! that 's more than I '11 withstand ! 

(Drawing dirk from boot.) 

Roland. The eye 

Is weapon 'nough 'gainst Greaser threats ; the coward 
Thief will bite the back alone. 

Barnos. (Withdrawing threateumg atuiude: aside.) He is 

Her brother ! — Curse soft love that makes the heart 
A sponge ! Ah, vengeance now ! — I '11 guide old Carter 
And my lord to Reneaud's ranch ahead, 
Learning first the way, to welcome them, 
Where she, unrested, weak, and all — broke up 
By this surprise, is offered choose the duke. 
Will fly with me, —or not, I '11 kill them all ! 

' Exit baiv'.os. ' 

Roland Now I wonder if young Barrios 

And this Gueverro are a band of con's ! — 

Or did a father's harshness, or unheard of 

Harder fate, compel her pawn the ring ? 

Had this occurred before, I would have asked 

The — governor — the news ; but he would told me 

Nothing, he, close-mouthed as fisted he. 

Oh, what ill and woe has fallen on my sister ! 

il'rops on chair, head on table. Re-enter Shiefel- 
;.n poking dish in ahead, remaining concealed.) 

Shiefellin. Want yer dish? 

Landlord, Come in and have a supper. 

You 've been starving long enough i' the hills. 

shufelhn See here ! are you enticin' of me up 
Agin the muzzle of that gun ? 

Landlord. You're not 

39 



Worth powder; I '11 get my bow and arrows for you. 

Shiefetlin. If I 'd had this in me, this bracer too, 

That soft-tongue never 'd cuffed and yanked me 'boutl 
I '11 meet that rose-face yit, and pluck his petal! 

(Enter Clack: Shiefellin scrambles over counter.) 

Clack, Ha, ha, 's this Windy Point? Is this the place 
Furbreedin' storms? A reg'lar gust went up 
The gulch a-puffin' like the monster, cuttin' 
Wind with meat-ax, cussin' every stride 
Fur vengeance ! Ha, an' I 'd been huare he needn't 
Spent his anger on the wind! — W^ake up 
The hollers now, we 're huare fur fun ! Every- 

Body drink! (To Rensaudj 

Hello, old nester ! 

Reneaud. Good morning, 

William. 

Clack. Morning? Ha! and huare 's a man 

Asleep! " Wake up! Wellwhar in hell did you 

Come from ? 

Roland. What I ? Why from New York. 

Claik. I jest 

Don't know whar New York is ; but from the salt 
O' your eye, I jedge it 's somewhar on 
The 'lantic way back under these old hills, 
Whar the sun gits down at four o'clock. 

Rolav' The sun don't set in New York, sir; it rises 
There. 

40 



Cla£k. Be keerful thar, I shoot and cut ! 

You 're one these tenderfeet, footsore fur home. 
I '11 teach you how to honor natives huare, 
Ur give you quick an' easy sailin' out. 

RoLarui I can make still many knots without 
Your w^ind. 

Clack. (To c Say, boys, thar 's bound to be a boggen 

Huare. i ic j i i Now, stranger, Clack '11 give fair 

warnin' 
O' who he is ; — turn down that grin o' yours 
Ur he won't have time. Look out ! you 're bravin' 
The bloodiest brave in all Arizona ! I fout 
The battle o' the Caves, I did ! Ha, I 'm the 
Wild wolf o' the Huachucas ! Be keerful ! 
I 'm the terror o' the draggoons ! it 's chuck 
To me to meet a hostile ! Ha, I 've killed 
Hadalgoes, braves and Greasers in every gulch 
In Cochise County ! Easy eatin' is 
A tenderfoot to me! — Take keer thar, sir! 
I 'm a half-breed I am, decent from old 
Cochise ! My blood 's Apache an' biles to kill ! 

(Gives the Indian dance and yell,) 
I 've got to give these boys a buryin' soon, 
An' you fling back old Clack another word 
An* at their suremony you '11 turn up 
As corpse! 

Roland. You 've preached the funeral, fool, and I'm 

Unhurt. 

Clack. (To crowd.) Get out the way, time's up, and Clack 



Is goin' to shoot ! 

(Jumps, cracks heels, swings around to crowd as 
he speaks, faces back as he reaches for gun; 
Roland, having risen, shoves table aside, and has 
gun on Clack as he turns.) 

Roland. Throw up your hands ! 

(Hands up, Roland looses belt, dropping same but 
holding Clack's gun.) 

Walk backwards 
Until your back is 'gainst the boards. — I '11 try 
My left hand on your gun, just on that gong 
Above your head, i ires, sign drops.) 

Landlord, send your collector 
Over. 
Landlord. Last drinks are free in this hacienda. 

Roland. I 'H try that gong for one more chestnut. 

Friend, 
I rather like this gun. Four more good charges ; — 
This old war souvenir has n't burned powder for thirty 
Years. rYh,r..vr ,•,-„,. n i-.,c .,u-n f'un.i 

Ah, genius is but power to bluff ! 
Landlord, have you anything you call cigars ? 

Landlord, t Setting out txix.) 

Best Mexan bran', sir. 
Roland. And the papers to wrap 

The cigarette ? 
Landlord. Hear, hear! 

Roland. Ah, thanks, a light 

Please ; — thanks. — Now have a smoke. 

(Pokes lighted end of cigar in Clack's nose.) 

Hands up or you '11 

42 



Act corpse in a fun'ral for the boys. 

Oh, a slight mistake ! — but no offense 

I hope. — Well, try another ; — smoke. — There '11 be 

No further trouble, gentlemen, resume 

Your merriment ; — when boys 'twas sport to cow 

Such bullys on the Bow'ry. — 

(Fires other four shots rapidly, hitting gong with each.) 
This Clack, too, 
Is emptied of its harm. Keep up your hands. 

(Throws gun near belt, and takes Reneaud's rifle 
from counter; then to Reneaud.) 
Good sir, you 've been so kind on short acquaintance 
I seem to 'ave know^n you long ; I earnest take 
Your banter to quiet watch your herds a month. 
If doing so will give your trip so coveted 
To York. — This ring shall be my pledge of honor 
Till your return ; — an' you w^ill bear a message 
To and from my sister there. 

Reneaud. Courage is honor's pledge in Arizona. 

I wear the ring for friendship's bond, and safely 
Keeping of 't. When on the ranch your hand 
Is in a week I '11 take the travel east 
And do your pleasure. Come, the morning sun 
Will blaze us home. 
Roland. (To Clack.) Excuse us, friend, for leaving 

You to smoke alone. Some rumination 
Though, may soften down your brag and tone 
Your courage up. Adieu! 

^ExeuDl Keneaud and Roland.) 
Clack. Now ruin fall on 

The cuss ! — Now must old broke-heart Bill away 
43 



Pull his freight off to some strange and distant 

Gulch ; — for in this camp his name 's no more 

Sir William Clack ! — Now ruin fall on the cuss! 

(Crowd turns its back io coatempt, after first ex« 
pression; Clack advances totter ingly, falls to knee, 
resting arm and bead on table and weeps; takes 
up gun and belt and drags totteringly out.) 

Shiefellin Humph ! that shows the difference 'tween courage 
And a right hard cough ! Why did n't I cure 't ? — 
Why I could done 't ! Oh, think ! that blow, that 

mountain 
Gust, — disgustin' 'tis to think, that puff-ball, 
With substance none but suffocatin' smut, — 
That air-pump, suctionless, no courage either 
To suck on, — ^vindmill, just by what he 'd pump up. 
Kept me six months skeered to draw my breath, — 
Jest lest I 'd breathe my last ! It puts me 
In such rage I 'd like to handle both 
Them cusses, — one right after t' other, — or both 
Together ! — Oh, I 'm the reaching high giraffe ! 
Why I 'm the yeller kid, that spread it on 
The New York World, — the sun don't set on ! — 
The reason is, it sits ! Oh, I 'm a graduate 
O' Harvard. — Practiced every sober hour 
Punchin' of the bag. — Oh, I stood high 
In class, and when our day fur partin' come, 
Soft old Elliott 'rose and paid me special 
Praise, as graceful handin' up my skin 
He tuneful said, — "Oh, Shiefellin, so well 
You 've done, though brightest when you came, 

you 're now 
Most brainless of the lot." — 

44 



Landlord. (Pouring drinks.) To Shiefellin 

Good cheer ! 

Croivd. Good cheer to Shiefellin ! good cheer ! 

Shiefellin. Now you-ns think I'm coward cause that posy 
Nodding on me 'scaped dilapidation! 
That fuz-touch-hand, that softly cunnin' eye, 
That playful tongue that lapt its laugh, and purred 
Its words like little Tom when stroked 's the moss 
Grows dow^n his back, — would quell the savage beast. 
Now^ while my courage rages is there any 
Cuss '11 face me? — vjunkins comes loruard.) 
Are you married ? 

JnnkuiS. I have 

One wife. 

Shiefi'llin. Is she enough to do the work? — 

If you were gone ? Now who will marry this ? 

Holds up specimen, but indicates hinisell.) 

Girls, Aye, aye ! Now who will marry this ? 

Shiefellin. Who '11 take 

The dross to git the gold ? 

Girh. Aye, aye ! we '11 shake 

The dust, we'll fan the gold, indicating dance.) 

Shiefellin. Then shake the dust 

And see who '11 pan the gold. 

( Seis specimen on counter as prize tor the dance, 
all dance, by twos, then all together. Shiefellin 
awards gold.) 

A pledge of health for Junkins and his Sal ! <An drink. » 
The wedding dance ! Hurrah for Shiefellin ! 

45 



All. The song of revel ! Play the devil song 1 

We will dance until death overtakes us ! 
We will then go under the clod ! 
We w^ill laugh w^hile happiness shakes us I 
We w^ill then return unto God ! 

Ha ! ha ! swing up the center and side! 

We will dance intense joy till it end ! 

With groom's arms around his won bride 

To the earth all heaven will bend ! 
We will leap o'er the earth with high revel! 
We will drink up all intense blisses ! 
God objecting we'll go to the devil 
To reheat our fiery hot kisses ! 

Ha ! ha I swing up the center and side ! 

We will dance intense joy till it end! 

With groom's arms around his won bride 

To the earth all heaven will bend ! 
Quaff a kiss ! all around ! and dance fleeter! 
Swing in bliss too profound to express I 
Love's emotion makes motion much sweeter! 
Draw your brides to your bosoms, caress ! 

Ha! ha ! swing up the center and side! 

We will dance intense joy till it end ! 

With groom's arms around his won bride 

To the earth all heaven will bend ! 
(CURTAIN.) 



46 



THIRD ACT. 

First Scene. 

Reneauds Arizona plantation. Veranda with vines. Flowered 
lawn stretches away into fields dotted with herds. Hills in 
the distance. 

(Curtain rises on Rosalie, sister to Reneaud, on 
veranda, i 



Ro. 



Down from the eastern hills sweet-scented morning 

comes 
And gathers as it comes the perfumes from the plains, 
And gathers balm and fragrance as it westward roams, 
And sips the dew^s, and on the petaled earth enchains 
Its loveliness of colors woven from the light 
And brought through moon-cast shadows of the 

mountain brushes. 
Oh morning, warning off the melancholy night 
With the whistling of the worship-throated thrushes ! 

raent of busbes, whistles thrush song . 

Oh that I were buoyant winged and songful souled 
To sing glad greetings through the decorated bushes ! — 
Ah then, — I'll be a fiow^er fair and sweet unfold 
To kissing morn the fragrance of embosomed wishes. — 

(Eula i'.i^itates humrr:;r . 

Hark ! the unwarbler hums its joy instead of sings. 
Sir bobber, I will glimpse the glitter of your wings. 

f.Kosalie piayiuiiy warbling, searches bushes for 
humming-bird, while Eula, dodging from her 
view, still imitates the bird, until shortly they 
run face to face. ) 

47 



Oh sir ! you startle me ! — Where are the gentlemen ? 

Eula. A.t coffee, — songster. 
Rosalie. ^^^ "^'^^'^ sir, — why left you them ? 

Eida. 0^> i^st to play the humming-bird to your fair flower. 

Rosalie. ^O" should have tarried there at coffee's fragrant bower. 

Eida, ^ot while, sv\/-eet vine, your suckle's yet unsipt of honey. 

Rosalie. O^' well: — I vitiligo in, — for here 'tis rather "sonny." 

Eula. F^^^ lady, stay and be the flower for my humming ! 

Rosalie. ^^^ unfeathered youth, your summer must be coming! 

Eula. ^ would not live it otherwhere than in your garden. 

Rosalie. Suppose you w^ere debarred entrance by its warden ? 

Eula. For that your features finer are than carved marble. 
Your voice more resonant far than songster's 

summer warble. 
Your form so touched in curves as heaven did 

the plastic, 
Also your movement never swerving lines elastic 
As lazy roe which saunters ever on at ease, 
Your affrontive vv'arden down the wind I 'd sneeze ! 
For that of all your charms, your charm o 'er me 

is psychic, 
I 'd Remus-like o 'erleap your tiny wall with high kick ! 

Rosalie. ^ ^^^^ your mirth : — ah, come, sit here ; — who is — 
the other 
Gentleman that came this morning with my brother! 

ktda ^^^- "^y song is charming, charming up another! 

The gentleman who came this morning is — my brother 

48 



Roiahe So like that now I see; you 're fair as he is handsome. 
Your youth has yet to pay some years for man- 
hood's ransom. 
tuu. Oh yes, I '11 grow ! — I'm sorry I 'm not more a man. 

Rosaiu Oh I am not; I should not like, — to like you then ; 

But now your youth and fairness make you like a sister. 

httu. Were I, instead of brother to that other mister ! 

Rosalie. In fair good truth I — like you for your radiant eye. 

The which reflects the splendors of a two-domed sky ; 
I like you for the feathery softness of your face, 
Your fragrant breath, your feminine voice, your 

supple grace. 
Your feeling, gentle, though audacious manner; 

and then, 
In all, you seem above what mars the best of men. — 
You are my guest. If I 've been cold, without intention; 
I dare, I 'm sure, we may be friends without convention. 
hiila. Sweet lady, thanks ! O sister, thanks for this esteem ! 

r .;;■ ■;.- :•: . ■- - •;■. ■■ . ',.._i: her. ) 

RosaJu Oh, no ! no, curb yourself lest I shall scream ! 
Eula Oh, I forgot myself ! — or rather what I seem ! 
Rosaiu. Are you false then, other than appearance shows ? 
Eula- 'Tis true that falsehood is the seeming of my clothes. 
Rosaiu. Oh, they are likely torn; you want some mending done ? 

Eula, You rankly innocent, less naive than pretty, one ! 
Rosalie. Well, come into the lawn and sing your pretty words. 
Supposing I 'm a flower, you among the birds, — 
Would you sing to one lone drooper in your vagrance ? 

(EuJa whtstles tlie nighiingaJe or oriole song.) 
49 



Your song could only win my dumb and blinded 
fragrance. 

Eula. Ah heaven, all the world of men 's desired omen ! 
Dumb and blind ! Oh, what a blessing in a woman ! 

Rosalie. Ah, then I 'd have to keep on you my eyes agape? 

Eula. It is unwise with man that any woman nap 1 

Rosalie. Chirp sir, you're touching close, be winging off 
your distance. 

Hula. The almond be, you 're damask rose in your resistance. 

Ah then, I '11 chirp, and from my star-eyes twinkle 
kisses. 

And in my flighty course wing in these far- 
fetched blisses. 

Rosalie. Oh, snippish curt-lipped youth, though pretty- 
talking mouth, — 

Eula. Now heaven kill your posy bushes with a drouth ! 
I thought the mouth is nicest when it kisses. 

Rosalie. Be it ! 

Then 's when it feels the nicest ; — no I can not see it. 
Eula. Ah me, how struck with wide-eyed blindness ! 

Rosalie. Bird, to wing ! 

Eula. I 'm weary of the song, I would be gardening. 

Rosalie. Then I '11 go on a lark, an' you will be the rose. 

Eula. Quite well you 'd play the man, and pretty look 
in clothes. 

Rosalie. For worlds, aught other than I am I would not seem ! — 
Now sleepy rose, relate your heavy-scented dream. 
5° 



Eula. I '11 not endure your lark, my lord of wayward song, — 
Until the honeyed season 's past, and days grow long. 
Oh, then the lusty-throated thrush can while the morn 
The dauntless lyric lark then trill high noon to scorn, 
The lonesome oriole the weary evening round, 
Then blackbirds chirp the lurching night across 

the ground! — 
Oh hark ! the messenger of earth's aspiring wail 
Ascends above the night to heaven, — the nightingale ! 

Rosalie. Your dream 's with beauty, yet too much con- 
sistence, fraught. 

Eula. 'Tis not a dream, but love's full-flowering wake- 
ful thought. 
If I 'm the rose encased and latent in the bud, 
Fast fixed and folded tight to wait some coming good 
In this prehensive sleep I '11 dream, when it has ended. 
And fate my being with some neighbor bloomer 

blended, 
Although we can not trudge the mud, thus stuck 

on earth, 
Like those who pull the pants and boast some 

higher birth. 
We'll send commingled fragrance through the 

worlds of essence. 
And wait enticement of their blessings with 

complaisance ; 
Unseen will swoop a swarm of kisses winged 

with love, 
And love all feathered o'er with kisses from above 
Descending to the garden blooming through caresses. 



Oh! since, sweet lady, this is nature, I'll kiss 
your tresses ! 

Rosalie. Sir buddy, your imagination grows prolific ! 
Why you should fortunes tell. 

Etila, My heart is not pacific ! 

(Aside. ) Oh if they come ' fore I ' m discovered what' s 

to boot ! 
(Aloud) Oh yes, I fortunes tell ; I tell them by the foot. 

Rosalie. Then I '11 not pay, nor play; you put your bird to wing. 

Eula, I '11 be no more the rose. — Do you play anything? 

(Aside. ) When w^ill this artless unsuspecting creature see! 
The all I 've dared, my heartless tongue now^ fears to say! 

Rosalu Oh yes, I play, — with birds a-flying thro' the lawn, 
A-blowing open flowers only half are blown, 
A-trapping bees w^ithin the glories, hum-ee-rumbles ! 
Then sucking honey, pinching off the heads of bumbles; 
Again, I '11 call and throw my pony under saddle. 
And do the range a-gallop; safe, I ride a-straddle — 
Ellin You shocking knave ! here take my waistcoat and 
my hose ! — 
Rosalu. Then tickle with my whip the vicious old ram's nose 
To see him butt the air and blow and show his fight ! 
So, too, I tease tarantulas to see them bite. 
And flaunt my sash at bulls : What all my cour- 
age takes 
Is seizing tails and yanking off the heads of snakes. — 
Bah, girlish youth, bug yarns might chase weak 

w^oman's valor! 
This double rose shall symbolize your changing color. 
52 



EiUa. (Aside.) Now by my honest sex this rose shall be 
my mascot. 
(Aloud.) Not on my coat-lapel but here within my 
\vaistcoat. 
Rosalit What! woman? Oh my whole heart's being is appalled! 

E?d,. Why little chicken-liver, how easy you 're ungalled ! 
Rosalie. Oh, I 'm faint ; my heart is sick ; I '11 call my brother ! 
Thus trapesed about with men ! I 'm scant of 
breath ! I 11 smother ! 
Eula, Oh judge not harshly sister-heart all fragile tender! 
'Tis sister love that from this evil 's my defender. 
How lagging's been the moon I 've waited to ungender 
This weary son of music and my secret render 
To some sister bosom. Oh, I can not longer 
Wait to greet you ! lead me in that I may squander 
On your ears my o'erfull tongue and wake your wonder 
At how^ fate and prankish spirit tore asunder 
Mine and mother's heart and to my brother's yonder 
Knit in this disguise, enforced me hither wander 
Hoping to redress, your willing cover under. 
What I am, — as good as you, — altho' less winning. 
Rosalie, Now all your sweetness comes to mind from our 
beginning! 
I know you must be good or nature must deceive us. 
I warmly w^elcome you, bold youth, or nee mischievous. 
Eula. Oh joy and you and franchise I embrace together! 
Oh hasten, sister, in and I'll reblow what weather 
Harbored us and test by veiny prophecies 
If by the foot our mingled fortune bootless is. 
.'-xsunt. Enter Kcic:' 
53 



Roia^id "Well that kid brought along his Bow'ry pace! 
Oh, he was ill and could not breakfast ! ah ! 
Well I had some heart-flutters when her silk 
Skirt rustled ; when her sleeve once brushed my 

shoulder 
It threw me into nervousness some like 
The palsy: But it did not sour my coffee: 
And I 'm recovered now. At least I 'm one 
Square meal ahead in this fair race of that 
Fair rascal. In one meaL however, the 
Apollo- paced has gained a moon in love! 
How laggard is my fortune then if measured 
By his foot ! — I '11 consolation draw 
From the lonesome weed. — That Frenchman is 
All right. — But when I 'm full in sway I '11 pack 
That music-box to some most distant corner 
On the range to tune with blatant herds. 
Ah ha ! perhaps fair Rosalie wears diamonds ! 
The slickest games are played by smoothest grace. 
Appearance often is assumed. We dare 
Not judge by dress what dress conceals. If I 'm 
Deceived by his address then nature is 
The friend o' thieves ; and if my boy 's a fraud 
His confidant Gueverro will appear 
To shy away the booty. By my foot 
His fortune will not be bootless here. 
Enter Mex'.can youth and woman. ) 

Senora. Estrangero ! 

Rolafid. Well, who are you ? 

Ymith. Gueverro. 

54 



Roland. What! 

Youth. Arturo Gueverro. — Madre. 

Srnora.. Sangre Azul ! 

Youth. Senor Reneaud says 

How that you're range-boss, — 

Senora. Valiente caballero ! 

Youth. I come for you to say me what I '11 do. 
We must be up to snuff ! — 

Senora. Muy picaro ! 

Youth. The robbers are on a rampage, — 

SeAora. Ladrones ! 

Youth. Last night they done South Pass, the night before 
Pulled Fairbank, had Benson scooped 'fore that, 
Held Brannack's up for dinner yesterday. 
Then rode Rigg's best saddlers off with heads 
This way ! 

S(hora. Que infamia! 

Youth. Peloncillo, 

Pinal-eno and Chi-Ri-Cahua, all move 
With red-skins on the dance ! 

SeHora. Los Barbaros ! 

Youth. They '11 steal half the herds in Sulphur Valley, 
And likely scalp the women and drag away 
The children. 

Schora.. Valgame Deos ! 

Roland. Oh, the devil ! 

55 



Yoiith. The wolves are hungry-bold and gnawed the straps 
Last night from saddles we used for goose-lairs 
While our heads were sleeping on them ! 

Sehora. Adios buen mozo ! 

Roland. The Moses of liars ! 

Yoiitli. But they're no harm much; they fall only on 
Trail doughgies and the gaunt, but mav'ricking 
Is awful often just afore the round-up 
Which now 's the time for, and the lumpy jaw — 

Roland. Say, Mexico ! you do to-day the same 
As yesterday ; what you do to-day 
Repeat to-morrow, and the next day do 
It over; Friday, Thursday's work repeat; 
On Saturday then redo the work of Friday ; 
W^hat you did last week do this, and this 
Week's work do next, and that the next; so on; 
Just imitate your country. — Say, but don't 
Approach the cattle. 

Sefioru. Ganado mayor ! 

Youth. A puncher not go 'mongst the herds? 
Roland. That limpy jaw may be contagious. 

Youth. I get the lumpy jaw? 
Roland. The cattle might contract it. 

Youth. Catch the lumpy jaw of cows ! 

(Exit, laughing idiotically.) 

Senora. Es Medio tonto ! 

Roland. Yes, his good nature borders idiocy. 

56 



Senara. Simple of head but true of heart ; Hijo ! — 
Now would you believe, brave caballero, 
On Rancho Rabbit's Foot a sefiorita 
Is who is still much more fatter yet 
Than I am. 
Roland. Many as fat, sefiora, few so fair. 
Senora. Ah, seiior, you are laughing at me ; ya lo se bien 
que soy vaca, pero hay otra, mas gorda que yo ; — 
I know well that I'm a cow, but thank God 
there is one other in the world fatter than I am. 
Roland. But, senora, none so graceful. 
Senora. Que dice ? I am not so fat but I can dance ! 
Roland The national fandango ? 
Senora. El yique. (Dances.) 

Roland. Oh, no! no, que 'Diabolo ! I saw that in Georgia! 
Senora Jarabe 'Dances. j 

(Enter Eula as Barrios, and Rosalia.) 
El Cantador. -i , i 

Sabe que es pulque ? 

Licor divino-o ! 
Enel Cielo Los Angeles 
Lo beben por vino ! 
Roland. Ah, Barrios 1 translate, and thrum the air. 

Eida. Ah — sir — I — do not care — 
Rosalie. (Taking instrument Oh sir, alloTV me. 

(Singing.) Know ye what pulque is ? 
Liquor divine f 
Angels in heaven 
Prefer it to wine. 
57 



Senora. Senorita y caballero ! 
Soy Mejicana 

De este pais. — 
Yo un soldado 
Soy infeliz. 
(Exit Senora, dancing.) 

Rosalie. A Mexican girl 

Of this country am I. — 
And I a poor soldier. 
Woe is me ! 

Roland. Well — why, ah — what ! oh yes, ah beautiful ! 

Rosalie. Not beautiful to be in woe, sir? 

Roland. Oh no ! The situation. 

Eula. (Aside.) What has tied 

My Rolly's tongue that ne'er was tied before ! 

Roland. (Aside.) Oh, why I did not say, the lady's beauty 
Is the soldier's woe ! 

Rosalie. (Apart to Eula. i Speech from your brother 

Comes awkward out, not glib, like yours ; despite 
His handsome grace his tongue throws favor back 
To you. 

Roland. (Aside. I Ah, this I '11 stop, or not, I '11 die ! 

(Aloud. ! Miss Reneaud ; your pardon ; ah, what beauty 
Finds such beauty in this situation 
To veil its fair face in wild solitude ! ^ 

Rosalie. Oh sir, — or rather Mr. Roland — Carter, 
Sudden tribute rather chokes — or rather 

58 



Sudden praise most — all unmerited — 
Is surprising to me. 

Etilay^^^ halting speech throws favor on your brother! 

Roland. I ^sk, — Miss Reneaud, — Miss Reneaud; your pardon; 
What in this rugged, ruffian's region feasts 
Those epicurean eyes upon? 

Rosalie, I hope 

My soul is not carnivorous! 

Rolayid. Were 't, your fathomless 

Eyes would all mankind devour ! 

Rosalie. (Turning to Eula. I 'd be 

More delicate, dining only on their giblets ! 

Senora, f Just having re-entered. > 

Devour! Ah sefior, chile con 

Carne : raw beef minced, four onions, 

Can tomatoes, ten garlics, seven pods red pepper; — 

Devour! Esunprimor! 

Rencatld. (Just having enterei., 

Ah sefiora, step into the sala ! Dine with us ! 

5f«(?w.Mil gracias, caballero — qiie sin 

Vergiienza. ^Exu Seaora.) 
Roland. My friend, is that your cook ? 

Reneaud. This hand directs 

Our household. 

Rosalie. Though we serve jerked antelope 

And faisan — with the feathers off, w^e are 
Not cannibal ! and much vv^e serve 
59 



That's meet, which is not meat, such as potatoes. 
Mealy, grown on yonder river's loam, 
And meal from maize for pone, with which we serve 
Fresh cream and wild-plum jam and berry jellies; 
For those who like, when we are lucky in 
The hunt, we spread a maize-bird pie. We trust 
That this enough attraction is to tent 
You with us 'while, how be 't our Southern 
Friend may crave his cousin garlic. 
^■ua, I kiss the hand of such delicious viands. 

But chide the tongue would wake the appetite 
Forgotten under greater charm your frank 
Free welcome feeds the heart. 

Rolo.nd (Aside ) ^^11' hear the brazen 

Glib-tongued kid ! 
p The charm that 's pers'nal though, 

Though doubly bond enough, redoubled is 
By this sweet calm that plays on us: — I see 
That I must speak for both: — 

Rolau.i Oh yes ! I '11 change 

These times or hang myself to some goose-brier ! 
£^J^^, To us, impaneled in the city, rural 

Scenes are balm to our sick hearts ; — 
At first we bask as ether-drugged, and feel 
That we can swim away our life in floating 
Visions ; swifter winds wake action up 
And inner undulations 'gin to heave 
Against the bosom ; fire sits latent on 
The eyes, which traverse now the undulating 
Plain, — for thus our sense gives back to nature 
60 



Movements nature wakens in us, — flashes 
Streak the gorgeous clouds, the eye-fire sweeps 
The hurried mountains round; then om' nous storm 
Tumults the inner sea and surges tidal 
Energy against — our ribs, until 
We feel that we can do the things we can 't ; 
While cyclone's lurid ball enfears us things 
Are like to happen us we 'd rather w^ere n't ! — 
Why the other night while wandering lost, 
Though frightened by the howl of beasts, the thunder, 
Rolling down the mountain-side, awed nature 
Dumb, but roused a soul in me w^hich said 
That I just as Jeanne d' Arc, — if I were woman, — 
Could pull the heavens open, — or not, then be 
A hero like none has ever been, to flaunt 
And master nature with the soul ! but ah ! 
The storm subsides and leaves despair, some great 
But w^asted unserved purpose ebbing in us ! — 
Our Rosalie though shall be our maiden queen 
Ari and peaceful rule this valley Zon. 
Roland. Say, friend, that rake w^ill bear some watching ! 
Reneaud. My eye is constant on him under charm. 
Rolatid. He may a dangerous charm throw over ladies i 

Retieaud. Tush! he 's but an urchin, features fair, 

Almost as fine as Rosalie's are. My sister 
Shields herself; the fair who don't can scant 
Protection have. 

(Turns away to Eula and Rosalie. » 

Roland. (Aside.) That 's right! the faith that parted me from Eula! 
6i 



Eula. (To Reneaud. who has thrown his arms around her and Rosalie.) 

Oh sir! Oh my! my shoulder's lame, — long carrying 
The zither. 

Reneaud. Ah a week of sport will toughen 

Up your sinews. — Something now's afoot! 

(Enter Mexan youth, out of breath.) 
Well, what? 

Youth Boss Reneaud, all the valley was 

Yester' rounded up to end a month's 
Hard riding, and the huge uneasy herd 
Was bello^ving held last night on Pigeon Creek ; 
And just afore daybreak, w^hen all were making 
Ready for the cut, a wolf loped up 
On t' other bank ; the herd quick catching sniff, 
Stampeded off ; the wranglers could not check, 
And in their circuit all our herds w^ere swept 
Along ! The riders say they '11 press them 'gainst 
The bluffs more 'n twenty miles up stream! 

Reneaud. Warn the boys ! get everybody out ! 
(Exit Youth, yelling.) 

We '11 join the camp ! Come all, for spurs and guns ! 
(Exit Reneaud, 

Rosalu Now Barrios shall have a charger to his taste! — 
And, Roland, if you will, ride in our troop. 

Roland. In soft caressing speech he flays me out. 

Once in the woods I '11 find a chance, in some 

Secluded spot cliff-shadow^ed to the mood 

Of love, to banish stammering speech and take 

62 



Her heart by storm. For this her troop I '11 join ! 

(Exit Roland. Enter Barrios and Hazelton 
with Carter still further in background. Re-enter 
•Eula and Rosalie, running.) 

Rosalie. Remember you must ride a-straddle. 

Eula. Oh, shocking ! rather say, cross saddle ! 

(Exeunt Eula and Rosalie. Enter Roland an^ 
Reneaud.) 

Reiuaud. Now, friend, brace up! a buoyant week upon the range I 
Rolami. Aw3Ly\ ^Vsiit > I play for hearts upon this stock 

exchange. 

(Exeunt Keneaud and Roland. 
Barrios. Carter and Hazelton advance. Then 
rushes across stage a crowd of cowboys yelling 
and swinging lariats ; one lariats Hazelton, one 
dragging Senora to a lariat. All crowd and jam 
and jostle Carter and Barrios. Barrios falls out 
of crowd at rear as it passes on, with sword 
swinging wildly, cuts lariat which is on Hazelton, 
and continues slashing with blind impetuosity 
at trees or posts until he falls over bushes. 
Hazelton still gallops and yells, with end of 
lariat on his neck. Carter, with clothes dis- 
heveled, gazes in dumb amazement after crowd.) 

(CURTAIN.) 
(Encork.) 
Barrios. Leading the rabble, yonder brazen wench 

Astride the motley mare, sir, is your daughter ! 

Hazelton. Oh, horrors ! horrors ! — 

Carter. Brazen wench my daughter ! 

Sword-swinging nincompoop, I'll club your skull! 

(Exeunt all. Carter chasing Barrios with dab.) 
(CURTAIN.) 
63 



THIRD ACT. 

Second Scene. 

Round-up camp in the valley, by the foot-hills. 

(Curtain rises on group of cowboys in careless 

ease having just finished supper.) 

Cowboy. I say though, fellows, I could cut boss Reneaud's 
Herd, if there were never a brand on one, 
Or if they'd all been hog-tied by the burners; 
They 're nothing like your big-paunched Oregons ; 
There 's not one in the lot is over seven ; 
Clean-limbed and thrifty, long round body, straight 
Slim horn, straight-backed, smooth and glossy skin 
Well stretched with meat well packed to bone ; 

their like. 
So kept and culled are not by other ranchman 
Grazed in Arizona ! 

Wagon-boss. Bah ! ra, smoke ! 

You 're always on the brag, and could n't bust 
A bronco ! 

ShiefeUiru (Entering.) I have learned — 

Cowboys. How, friend! 

Shiefellin. Good evenin', gints ! — to be-a-ware of men 
Of soft, apologetic voice — jest like 

My own. .Surveys spread. , 

Cowboys. Fall to ! fall to 

64 



Shtefellm. (Scatane at f»oft.To. i They ve records gin 'rally, 

But pedaled blow-bag, throated bellows, you 
Can ride as Balaam did. 

Vankie Wo ! hoa ! — Cuss sich a country, I say. 

Wall, strangers, gosh darned ugly camp I swow ; 
And what my oxen '11 do here I don't know, 
Fur they ' ve not eat since pullin' way from Stink Creek, 
And are darned nigh gev out, and that 's a fact. 
Thar's nothin' here fur 'em to eat, that 's sure: 
W^all, they must jest hold on till mornin', thar is 
No two ways 'bout that, — 
Vagon-boss. Shut off your clack awhile, and feed your beasts ! 

Yankee. One thing sartin, this is dis'pintment camp. 
Cuss sich a darned country, I say : look 
At them thar oxen, wull ye ! thar is no go 
In 'em and mornin' sees 'em faced right back 
Towards old Caw. Cuss sich a darned country ; 
Missouri's fur 'nough west fur me. Old 'ooman,' 
When your Yank gets hum he '11 never leave 
Again for squatter sovereignty on this 
Whole darn country, an' ye can put that down. 
Shiefellin. Beantonian, an aside ! This climate 's wholesome 
Kept, — I 've studied hygiene at Crambridge, — 
Not by what we feed on but by what 's 
Put in us, that depends on what 's put out us ; 
Soft politeness is our mark of health. 
Your heated speech has melted lead enough 
To make dyspepsia fatal ! 

Yankee. (Extending bis band, cnjsbirjii baad ot Shiefellin. ) 

Cuss sich a darned country, I say ! 

'ShiefeUtQ kicks biu add runs out.) 
65 



Wall, strangers, I '11 throw in with you; a darned 

Ugly camp I swow! I guess you'll have 

A skillet 'mong ye : 'f yer a mind to trade 

I '11 have it right off. Wull, anyhow, I '11 borry 

It to-night to bake my bread and beans, — 

Wagon'boss. (Firing against skillet.) 

I 'm the boss of this, mess-kit: no rider 
Feeds his belly huare until his beasts 
Are fed ! 

Yankee Wall, I guess if you '11 some of you lend 

A hand I '11 fix 'em right off, I swow I will ! 
Tho' darn 'em ! They hev gev me darned lot 
O' trouble, they hev, darn 'em, — but the critters 
Will hev to eat I b'lieve. I swow they will. 
-'tarts out.) 

Wagon-bosi. Say, Yank ! when you 've fed 'em, yonder on 
The cliff go sit and hear the owl to hoot 
And hearken to the whip-poor-will awhile, 
And watch the moon glint down the mountain-side ; 
Come back with 'nother temper than you 've bellied 
Off on us or else your sovereignty 
Will squatter just six feet o' ground. 
Vankc'c-. Wall, gosh darned, I b'lieve I '11 do 't, I swow, 
I b'lieve I will. 

Exit Yankee. 

lVag07i-bo^ I '11 pluck old Plymouth Rock rooster's spurs or he '11 
Quit croakin' huare on God's ow^n country: — 

Carter. (Just entericig. i Who can run the circuit of the plains 
All spotted up with grazing fat and meaty 

66 



Herds and swell his blood-filled veins with na- 
ture's life 
And the zest of action, glint the western 
Vermil sea, althrough the crystal drippings 
Of his sweating brow, glide under verdure's 
Shelter as earth swings under night and forest 
Life howls up the stars, and not throw nature's 
Throb of worship up to God : Say, fellows, 
This rooster's been cooped up wing-cropt in town 
So long he had forgot the day had beauty 
In 't to crow for. 

Loiuooj'. Welcome, welcome, friend! 

Wagon- boss. Lusty, hardy, hearty health is ours 

Who ride the range by day, wake the welkin 
With an evening song, and blanket up 
The night. 

(Carter advances, leading Hazelton by suspenders 

about his neck; enter Barrios, similarly leading 

Shielellin.) 

Cnr: Spain and I concluded, if there were 

A show demanded here, we 'd have a monkey 
For it. 

U/:. Loose the burro now; he '11 never 

Leave 'is chuck. 

Shicfti^ Who 'd a thought that Spain would have mistaken 
Me for Uncle Sam. 'D you bring your arsenal 
Over in your pocket ? I '11 give him now 
The Idoma de amour ! 

i Places point of dirk over Barrios' heart and 
presses it lightly.) 

67 



Give your Uncle Calf more mast rope, Spain ! 
Keep up your hands until I rifle you 
Of Cuba. 
Barrios I 'm a Cuban ! 

Shiefellin. (Lowering dirk and extending hand.) How gOeS, friend? 
Oh that Uncle Kinny knew as well 
Just when and how to end a fuss ! The Maine 
Would been a-floatin' yit. 

Wagon-boss. Hold, hold ! a dance, then chuck ! 

(The four dance mildly. Enter Yankee, singing.) 
Yankee. How happy am I 

From care I 'm free ! 
Oh, w^hy are not all 
Contented like me? 
Wagon-boss. First dance, the concert after ; into line 
And shake your bones. 
Ya?ikee. "Wall, I '11 be gosh-darned ! I 'd do that 
If I knowed how to dance, I b'lieve — 
Wagon-boss. Pick up your hoofs ; I '11 pat for you ! 

(I-ir; : . : : i^iCt while he 

works himself into line and step, while all dance; 
Shiefellin continues dancing after others cease.) 

Cozvboy. Hold up ! are you drunk or crazy 

Shiefellin. 'T would 

Be jolly fun to you-ns to git me crazy 
Drunk, eh? 
Yankee. Cuss this darned country, I say ! 

Always bawlin' fur drink ! Its sands are even 
Thirsty. 



i^uivdoys. ( I'uUiitfi -un How, sir, how? 
Yankee. They 've drunk your cussed 

Rivers dry. (Cicneral merriment.) 

Them critters yonder 've lanked 
Fur drink as now^ this stomach lanks fur grub, 
That has a famine felt, and then a drouth, 
And here comes onto flood and feast, and cusst 
If Yank, now havin' listened to yer owl 
And to yer hoot, an' shuk his foot and cracked 
A joke, won't fill his paunch ! just put that down ! 

(Uncovers a long knife, and sits, under general 

annro\al.) 

Shiefellin. That the world is rotten is a rotten 
Fact needless to expatiate upon 
A la Brann, — You ass, jackass, morass, 
Assault, asafetida, asphalt, 
Aspinwall. ascend, assets, molasses ! .s-,, i 

(Siu, under general merriment. Hazelton ad- 
'i-ps as if to sit.) 

i.-c/ic<v</i Hold, hold; the joke: 

Hazeltou. To conserve a healthful interest 

In life, man must attend unto three points : 
The culinary art, which appertains 
To what he eats; the art emotional — 
That is, what he loves, — and the productive 
Art, which looks to what he doth create, — 

I Enter Roland and Reneaud in background, awdfer 

roncealment in hnnting ontftt.) 



Cowboy. Your father sadly lacked the last. 

Roland. (Aside.) 



Not Rosalie's ! 



69 



Carter. In the generation which begat ' 

The dude it is the art was lost. — Aside Ugh ! 
I felt such spinal chills as when my son 
Is near. 
Wagon-boss. (To Carter.) Your joke is worth a dinner; fall to ! 

C^y/^r I '11 give 't my lord, 'twas his expense; as'tseems. 

And eat on one will touch less keenly home. 

Hazelton, Thanks, sir, awful thanks, but an idea — 

vVagon-boss. Sit down and plug your mouth. 

Hazelton. (Sitting.) Oh horrors ! thanks! 

Carter Once a woe unseen lay on my soul, 

Made all the world seem like a priestly cowl 
And shadows settled like grim doom 
On all my future path a sombre gloom ! 
Oh heav'n, of life, of health, the giver, 
I now know well it was my liver ! 
Roland. Ho Pen^a i j ) Oh what a tonic is this nature 
My father's soul is gaining stature ' 

(Exeunt Roland and Reneaud; Carter, under gen- 
eral merriment, sits; enter in background, in 
hunting costume, Eula and Rosalie. ) 

Barnos. Fellows, you '11 instead of jest allow 

Me say the trail we follow; Serior Carter 
Here is looking for his daughter. Fair 
As morning is her feature; black as double 
Night her eyes — dilating pupils burnish up 
To blue sometimes, and in good nature twinkle 
Radiance forth that wakes the deadest best 
Impulses of the soul, but when chagrined 

70 



Their nether color flashes fire out 
W^ould singe a tommy-cat ; her amber hair 
From alabaster brow flows off like liquid 
Waves, but no^v 's tanked in much such chapeau ; 
Her Grecian legs — 

(Carter reaches iankce s knile. i 

The which when looking in 
Her face one tnmks not of, and else of form 
Concealment carries is lithesome borne in garments 
Much like my own. In this disguise this night 
This lady trips this region through ! 

Cowboy. .Ira.j«! r*. tUici.on A goodly heifer, gad! 

Eula. Such gallant mark some sweeter worth deserves 
Than brilliants. 

(Throws kisses toward Barrios. Exeunt Eula 
and Rosalie.) 

SkiefeUtn And now's old Shiefellin's time to hang! 

Wa.gon-boi; Why that 's the down-face burned the wind before 's 
This morning ! 

Cowbi } And with our fleet Rosalie vied 

Which should cross the plain with swiftest speed ! 

Wagon-bay Why, sir, not more than half ago this he 

Dressed she went up the trail with Rosalie, 
Who would n't let a moonbeam 'scape her in 
The hills. There went along her brother Reneaud 
Also that carrot-haired friend new come this morning! 
;( ' Why the feminine fellow gave out it was 

His or her brother; he's our new^ range-boss. 
71 



Wd^^au-boss If she's your daughter you must be his father I 
Doubly welcome ! His account must house 
You here to-night. 

L-ari^r i . :.ir = That boy already has 

Established an account ! the Arizona 
Bank I '11 wager is a sand-hill. Well, 
He never told me not to house with him ! 
He must have struck a stock exchange out here. 
House me here to-night ! Well there 's a limit, 
I '11 not kick off the roof. 

lVdgo}i-boss The moon is well- 

Nigh sunk : To trace that mountain buck and doe 

Under heaven's brightest lamp were risking 

Much. They headed for the upper range 

To kill an antelope and broil a callop, 

As they said, for breakfast ; sure 's daybreak 

Shall streak the woods again you *11 that direction 

Have will fetch you to their chuck. 

^'arivt'f. ( Mn£;ina V, iv. - .iiiDKet ana Dunii y 

How happy am I 

From care I 'm free ! 
Oh, why are not all 

Contented like me?' bleeps.) 

Shiefellin. (Arising in background.) 

I 've eaten moose nose in Maine, 
Chicken back in Louisian', 
Squirrel head with 'Hio 's boys, 
Frog's legs in boggy Illinois, 
Beaver tail a la Klondike, 
72 



Crabs in 'Frisco as you like, 
Ox-tail soup with Kansas maize 
World over a la cannibalaise ! 
She wanders where the titmouse tits, 
Where the whip-poor-will poor whips, 
Where hawks still ha\vk and buzzards booz, 
And men booze, too, and cuckoo coos, 
And woman, too, hooche coos. 
Where peccary pecs, blue heron blues, 
Where sand-crane sands, and swallowtail swallows! — 
Disguised she who trails these hollows 
Will by some catamount night-lootin' 
Be made meat of sure as shootin' ! 
(Goes to bunk.) 

Cowboys. (Singing.) Will be made meat of sure as shootin' I 

(Moon sinks, tire dies, shadows deepen, general 
blanketing up for the night.) 

All. I Singing. ) While bunking in the wilderness 
We 'd better set a watch, unless 
We do we '11 by some brazen buck, 
Emerging from his wickiup. 
And creeping through the night, night'lootin' 
Be made meat of sure as shootin' ! 
Be made meat of sure as shootin' ! 

Should he under shadow's cover 
Any brute or beast discover 
Prowling closely here about 
He'll instant shoot and loudly shout, 
"Awake ! arouse ! for here's freebootin' ! " 
73 



Or be made meat of sure as shootin' ! 
Or be made meat of sure as shootin' ! 

(All sleep.) 
(CURTAIN.) 

(Encore.) 
Little can we ken what nymphs bestir the forest, 
W^hat softness animates exterior abhorrest; 
Our balm-kissed dreams that nothing less than 

angels render, 
Prove to us the wildest forests' guards are tender: 
Little can we ken the hearts of one another 
Sweetly dream of sweetheart, sister, wife or mother. 



74 



ililRD ACT. 
Third Scene. 

A mountain /oresi. 

(Enter Roland, Eula and Reneaod.) 

Kolaiii! Under lazy shades now lie we here ; 

Leave to long-w^ind hounds the starting deer. 
Resting, thinking, feeling, sleeping, dreaming. 
More in pleasure's keeping is than leaning 
'Gainst and scrambling through these brushy slants; 
This is dogged sporting, pumping pants. 

hula Oh swift-foot me with fleetest fairy wind, 
Chasing after fleet-foot flying hind ; 
This is life 's first freest breathing in me. 
Passing doleful up to twenty-three. 

Reneaud Friends, these tastes diverse fulfill the chase ; 
Under yonder hill a hundred pace 
Wends the trail ; here watch ; with certain aim 
W^hat e'r we wildly start is yours to tame. (Aside ) 
I '11 try to keep abreast of our high-pulsed musician. 
Who somehow, soft'ns my native roughness to 
contrition. 

Eula. (Singing. I'm a strolling free fellow 

Wandering over life's hollow 
Calling through hollow, hello ! 
Waking joys from their wallow. 



h.ula and Rentuut. ^ i--.>ag.) 

Fleetly flies and I follow 
Through red nature and yellow 
Swift as wing of the swallow 
Rogue-eyed — tra la la — trello! 
( Exeunt Enla and Keneaad. ) 

Roland Now by her grace my heart too soft-conditioned is 
To tame a living thing by death ; I 've read 
A poet called his lady's eyes gazelle, 
And by my life I 've seen a kid whose soft 
Caressing trustful rolling longing look 
A\voke a kissing answ^er in me, as if 
To say : "Oh to your faith my heart responsive 
Is with fondling love ; come rest your head 
Against my breast and let us talk together." — 

Old fuzee, I '11 empty your discordant 
Bawl into the vacant air ; yet what 
May hover viewless here ! — Then in the ground; 
Which covers life as thick as molecules 
In mud : — Oh for the lurid hateful glance 
Of centipede, with eyes green-set in hell ! — 

It shows my favor with my friend that he 
Should arm me with this heirloom ; though what 

sickens 
Me here to have, and I will have or turn 
This charge to this, is just that family's latest. — 

Old Huxley said, or should have said, the whirl 
Of life within a tree would music-lave 
A hearing world. — A wormer ! — So ! — I'll draw 
Your teeth. — 'Twas loaded for a herd of deer, 
76 



Or to somersault who held the rear,— 

Arouse the forest with your harmless bark! 

. . __. ; ^.;,:. ■ ^rce) 

Echoes come some hundred ways! Oh hark! 
Nature plays upon tne heart in tender mood, 
Striking chords that cramp the soul ; and drives 

my reason 
Frantic o'er the verge of wild exhilaration! — 
Draw thy bow across the strings of life, 
Reverberations touching through the mind, 
Turmoiling things of soul with love's whirlwind, 
Till nothing slumbers on the thuddy earth ! 
Rosalie. I heard! what 'prived your shot of 'ts right of birth? 

Roland. (Aside. ) My game ! now fail my heart to fire such 
volley '11 tame her. 
My tongue forever after '11 be my own defamer! — 
Miss Reneaud, I know not whence these moods. 
But my soul is full of feeling. 
Which would, alone, under nature and this 

woods, 
O'ersurge my heart and pour head-reeling 
Poesy on this laving wind's sweet weather 
To cope, or their wonder songs commingle, 
The weather waves and swaying winds together 
Bearing swimming rhythm and rhymes limp jingle : 
But you are here, and from those liquid eyes 
I see double waves of beauty flow, 
Which double all the beauty of the skies 
And sweep this poesy in their undertow, 
Engulfing all this milder beauty from above, 
77 



Their deep whirl of dizzy azure ocean 
Underpulling all my soul in a wilder flood of love : 
I seize your heart, your waist, to buoy me o'er 
emotion ! 

(Seizes Rosalie's hands, kissing them, then clasps 
her in his arms, kissing her rapturously, with 
impetuous poise. Rosalie faints. Enter Reneaud 
and Eula. ) 

Rcneaiid Sir ! what now may be believed since courage 
Falsely hides false heart and cordial friendship's 
Bitten in the back ! No word till I 
Have said. Our ranger's custom here w^ould 've 

had 
You dropped e're now : I 'd scorn to slay a dog 
Without a chance o' life ; reload your gun 
Whose discharge brought me timely back. 
Roland. Had I hand-fired the thing, your dogged trick 

That I 'd self-slay myself would now have been. 
Reneaud. Your slur 's a double wrong. Choose one of these ! 
Eida. Ah, gentlemen ! desist. Imagined provocation 
Shouldn't displace the savor 'f gentle speech 
Belongs frontier, as also city, gentlemen ! 
Good sir — 
Reneaud. Aside you ! gentlemen don't bandy words ! 

Eula. Roland, good friend, oh think of soft sweet music 
I 've discoursed to you and be as calm. 
Roland. Attention to your sister ; if she recovering 
Passes censure, calls me base of purpose, 
I '11 bear my bosom to your gun. 
Reneaud. Subterfuge and bluff ! To what will cowards 
Resort when facing danger real. 
78 



Eula. Oh sir, good sir, for your sister, self and — 
Remaud. Hush ! gibbering soft-heart, fearing fight 

Heel yourself around the point from sight ! 
Away ! — Sir, take a gun. 

Roland. Thanks, sir, I 

Decline. 

Reneaud. Oh, wretched city-heated libertine! 

Roldmi. I endure the folly of your words 

For when your sister speaks you '11 take them freely 
Back. 

Reneaud Oh what exasperation ! soon you '11 force 

Me kill you like a snake ! Oh here, why think, 
There is no rider on all the valley ranches 
But 's touched enough by purity here of nature. 
To guard through dungeons of the lonesome wood 
The honor of my sister's free and fearless 
Innocence ; but nothing in nature sacred 
Is to sexual vagabonds. 
Roland. Nor any 

Limit on the tongue of fools. 

Eula. Oh patience ! 

Pity ! patience ! 

Reneaud. Pitiable ! — Choose ! 

E-ula. (To Roland. 

Oh think, think of your sister, and her brother ! 

Roland Sir, you who so lately called me friend, 

Have patience, courage to aw^ait your sister's 

Voice. We were in favor linked as soon 

As met; our friendship speaking thus that we're 

79 



The magnet-poles of heart was prophecy 
To this swift jump of love; am honest — 

Ktfuuuii. Curses 

On this mockery ! You '11 fight or cower. 

{Strikes at Roland, blow falls on Eula's arm. i 

Roland.JHsidi 't fall'n on me 'tw^ere 'nough, — some^vhat 
too much, — 
As 't bruised the tender flesh of my companion, 
Faithful in this desert of my sister's 
Absence, sweet consoler of my heart 
By song : — Now, sir ; you falsely wear my friend- 
ship's 
Pledge; I '11 after pluck it from your finger 
To grace a faithful hand. 

iveueaud tosses diamond to Roland, who places 
it on Eula's band. ) 

It fits as if 

'Twere yours, or you v/ere Eula ; how like my sister's 

Hand! 

/;. i ! inaudible voice. I 

My brother ! Roland! 

Roland, What, my sister! 

Eula, fair brave Eula ! 

Retieand. What, his sister? 

My sister ; — Eula ! — Rosalie, awake ! 

Rosalie. Sir, 'tis not your speech o'erwhelms, but love ! 
It must be love, — so sudden, soft caressing 
As this forest music, — and your tongue; 
Oh, — my brother ! Roland, — Rene, — Oh ! 



;\tr.(u:.^^ Sir, more pardons than would the forest wind 

Endure my breath to speak. My pride, and jealous 
Temper of my sister's freedom pleads 
Excuse, which scarcely have I face to ask; 
But as a tender towards repair here pluck 
You from my hand, though still it must be 
Rooted in my heart, this fairest flower 
Of Arizona's clime. 
,,.,'. 'Tw^ere 'nough, were your 

Soft speech the magic touch to turn this blue 
Mark back to pearl. 

That blue reflects a bitter 
Blackness in my heart, a wound self-pitying 
Tears must wash a\vay. — 

'-arno-. Hazelton and Carter, io background. ) 

It must be said ! 
The fascination of this presence, when 
A lad not understood, now knowing 'tis 
A lass I know is love ; and if I may, — 
I may? I '11 kiss it up to red, till nature 
Come! 
hula My brother doesn't understand — 

koland Don't 'e ! 

huiA. This is but the semblance of 

A wound ; the wound is in my nether heart. 

kifunud The best conductor thence is through the lips. 

harnci (Apart.) And now I '11 sail ; and soon myself dictator 
Absolute declare of Guatemala ! 

(E.iji Barrios ',^ 
8i 



Carter, (To Hazeltou j 

Did 'e say he 'd swear and eat a hot tamale? 

Kater in backsrownd i^hiefellin aai Pike Parson.) 

Rolarui She to you and I to her, together! 

We'll turn the darkest clouds to fairest weather. 

U.ui. And do we all belong to one another ? 

/I; A double sister and a double brother ! 

Hazelto' Gad! I will adopt that tariff rule 

And hunt some market near at home good breeding, 

Exterior how handsome, never can 

I barter in the States, where lovers play 

At give away. Adieu ! ha, gad ! ha, gad ! 

Shiefelii*' That awful oath ! he swore he 'd Europe sink, 
Or a royal heiress wed to put 
On airs, upon the earth ! 

EuLj. Oh — well! what — now — my father! 
Carter. Yes, my daughter ! — 

My daughter ! — son ! — and son ! — so grow^ your hearts 
Together ; — whilst I hasten to apprise 
Your mother how, instead of daughter's loss 
And son's, she has a son and daughter gained ; 
An' with her hither haste, to charm her winter 
Into spring, as the songster of the woods 
His brooding-mate a-whilst their nestlings feather ! 

Retieaiui. This whilst your journey lasts, the whilst our hearts 
Upon the honeymoon will feast, our eyes 
Shall sweep by tour this fugged Arizona, 

82 



And homeward to our sunny rancho come 
By time to welcome you with feast and song. 
Carter Adieu ! must lose no time for my returning ! 

Rosalie. Nor either we for our moon-honey's journeying ! 
Shiefelltti. Nay tarry, now a little, little Frenchman ; 

I'm through the woods to-day Pike Parson's 

henchman ; 
Your journey after be, as I construe it, 
The Parson's w^ord, and I '11 be w^itness to it. 
Reneaiid He tarried at Communion through the night. 
ParsoTi. It is not good for man to be alone : — 

The third day after was a Cana weddin', — 
And the Avine gave out. — Now^, w^ives, submit 
Yourselves unto your husbands ; you 're one flesh. — 
Dearly 'loved, we 're here in presence of 
This witnesses ; — and he won't peach, — will you ?- 
Keep thee unto him, and him to her; — 
And now by virtue of my lack of virtue, — 
Reneaud. Dispense with sacrilegiousness ; love 
Is sacred. 
Roland. Lady, on this kiss I pledge 

Myself to you a lifelong hab'tant of 
That heav'n v/hich you for me create; when'ts 

unseen 
Walls do crumble I '11 be clay, and if 
I e'r prove prodigal to this sweet sacred 
Home you grant me in your heart, then heav'n 
Launch death and bitter woe upon my soul ! 
Now, sweet and lofty goodness, Tvhat say you? 
83 



kosaiie. Oh, my love, I love you ! 

Roland. Enough. Love is 

The all-sufficient bond on woman, th' only 
Tie not vain ; for while it holds thou art 
Fidelity and I am trust; and w^hen it breaks, 
Or rather raveled is by negligence 
Of time or failing w^orth, all other vows 
And oaths, and state and priestly bonds, as flimsy 
Gauze become as that so whitely, lightly 
Trims your pretty panties. 

Parsvn Martynia proboscidea. 0'i»ickint^ the piam. 
Shiefellin ^A/'hich translated means. Cuckold's horns ! 

iFxeunt ShiefeMin anrl Parson.) 
Rcneaud Parson priest, 

Or priestly parson, shall 't our journey's nearest 
Town pronounce his word and set his seal, 
Forms to which the social state impels 
Us to conform. 

Eida. "And with this ring I now 

Thee wed, and with my worldly goods I thee 

Endow. .Gives him m.-iiuloliii 

'All in our Father's name, and Son 
And of the Holy Ghost ! '" 

All. " Our Fath'r who art 

In heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom 
Come; thy will be done on earth as 'tis 
In heaven ; keep us from temptation ; d'liver 
Us from evil ; thine the kingdom ; power, 
Glory, ever, and forever. — 

(roDsecmivt; (lispiay ■1 --'xf-rai \nzona s< pnc;. ' 
(CDHTAIN.: 
84 



'M 13 )838 



